Linux
Template:Infobox Key points
- Native Steam version of Linux is being developed and is in beta with a list of working games.
- Number of natively supported Linux games has dramatically increased with the introduction of the Humble Indie Bundle.
- Linux gaming can be significantly more challenging than gaming on Windows.[1]
Steam
- List of Steam games - that are working on Linux.
- Steam Linux store
- Steam Linux community
Communities
- Gaming on Linux - a large community.
- r/linux_gaming - subreddit.
- Linux game database - resource of games and tools.
- #steamlug - IRC chat room.
- Linux Game Cast - pod/videocast.
Other languages
- Holarse - German language.
Distributions
Many different distributions of Linux exist.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution for personal computers and is recommended for users who are making the switch from another OS to Linux.
The Ubuntu Software Centre is a distribution centre exclusive to this specific Linux distribution.
Useful Programs
Wine
Wine is one of the easiest and most popular way for Linux users to run programs written for Microsoft Windows. It also provides a software library that can help developers port Windows games to Linux.
The Shell
The Unix Shell "bash" available on Linux is a very useful tool for doing system tasks. If you use Linux as your main operating system, then it is heavily recommended that you learn how to use it.
Google Code University provides a good starting guide.
Steam
The Steam client for Linux is currently in open beta but only officially supports Ubuntu 12.04LTS. Download it from the steam about page.
Common Fixes
Graphics Drivers
As Linux traditionally only provides open source drivers, proprietary graphics drivers are not provided. These drivers are generally much faster and can be installed via jockey-text:
1) Install jockey-text: sudo apt-get install jockey-text
2) List drivers: jockey-text --list
3) Enable the correct driver (whichever mentions being current) eg.: jockey-text -e xorg:nvidia_current
Disable Desktop Compositing
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Running Games on a Separate x Server
Running games on a different X server from ones main desktop can dramatically improve performance and generally reduces the amount of problems within a game especially when using an advanced compositing window manager like Compiz. To launch a separate X server with a game create a new .sh file and paste in the fallowing code:
#! /bin/bash DISPLAY=:1.0 xinit $cd '/YOURGAMEPATH' $* -- :1
Save and allow the file to be executable. Running this script in the terminal will make it much easier end the server when you are finished with it.
Alternatively you can set the path to a terminal emulator like Xterm /usr/bin/uxterm
and launch the game from a terminal in the new server. You could even launch a file browser like nautilus /usr/bin/nautilus
Press Alt
+Ctrl
+F7
to return to the main desktop and Alt
+Ctrl
+F8
to go back to the newly created one.
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