Difference between revisions of "Linux"

Many different distributions of Linux exist. A great family is based on Debian, such as Ubuntu. Another family is the RPM-based distributions (Fedora, Mageia, PCLinuxOS, Opensuse). There are also some other smaller families, such as Gentoo (e.g. Sabayon), Slackware (e.g. Salix) and Arch Linux (e.g. Manjaro)

Arch

Arch Linux is one of the most popular minimalist distribution. It is only recommended for intermediate to advanced Linux users and requires a good understanding of command-line interactions, directory hierarchy, etc. For new and old users alike, patience is highly valued.

One of the benefits of its minimal software approach is the user gets what software they want, the latest version of it, and performance unmatched by other, heavy-weight distributions, such as Ubuntu. However, this all depends on you, and what software you install.

Alike Debian, some distributions have derived from Arch Linux. Two examples are Manjaro and Antergos. While both are based on Arch, they are both easier to install and manage for non-intermediate users.

SteamOS

SteamOS is a Debian-based operating system in development by Valve Corporation designed to be the primary operating system for the Steam Machine game consoles. It was initially released on December 13, 2013, alongside the start of end-user beta testing of Steam Machines.

While SteamOS is targeted for the Steam Machines, the operating system itself can be installed on any compatible computer system.

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 family of Linux distributions, which can be easier to use in difference to command-line programs.

There are many Ubuntu-based distributions, such as Linux Mint, which are also recommended for inexperienced users.

Useful Programs

Wine

Wine is a compatibility layer that allows one to run Windows applications and games on Linux. 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.

Tools like PlayOnLinux and Crossover make Wine much easier to manage. PlayOnLinux is free of cost, whereas Crossover charges a fee for 1 year of updates and support from the Crossover support team. While both solutions use much of the same technology, the communities and support differ. By using Crossover however, you will directly support Wine development.^[1]

The Shell

The Unix Shell "bash" available on most Linux-distributions by default 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 as much more software is available when you do not restrict it to GUI-only.

This wiki focuses mostly on how to do things with the shell as it is much more easier to provide instructions on a text-basis instead of a GUI-usage-description.

In order to access the shell you will want to use a terminal emulator. Almost all distributions will ship with one by default. Examples of terminal emulators are Termite, Terminator, and Urxvt.

Steam

The Steam client for Linux only officially supports Ubuntu 12.04 LTS or later, but is compatible with most distributions. You can download it by using your distribution's package manager or from the Steam about page.

Some window managers, such as I3wm and bspwm, may have trouble managing the Steam client, both in tiled and floating mode.

Graphics

Laptop graphics

nVidia Optimus

The Bumblebee project provides support for discrete/integrated combos of graphic cards. After installing Bumblebee, games can be run on the nVidia card by running primusrun '/YOURGAMEPATH' or by adding 'primusrun %command%' to the command launch parameter in Steam.

On some less-than-recent distributions, optirun is used in place of primusrun. The above works just as well with optirun.

Alternatively, only the nVidia driver can be used. This, however, requires some changes in the xorg-config-files. For a complete documentation to achieve this see here: ArchLinux Wiki: nVidia Optimus#Using nVidia

ATi/AMD

Refer to Unofficial Wiki for the AMD Linux Driver.

Nvidia

Instructions

Common Fixes

Mouse issues on multi-monitor systems

Some games requires the primary monitor to be set to function correctly.

Instructions

Graphics Drivers

On Ubuntu the drivers can be installed using a graphical utility. Ubuntu will automatically notify you if there are proprietary drivers available for your graphics card to install.

Most Linux distributions will have both propriety and community-driven drivers available. It is important to note that not all games will be playable -- either at all, or nor as well -- with community drivers. On the other hand, not all propriety drivers are compatible with the most recent and stable version of X.

Disable Desktop Compositing in Fullscreen

Instructions

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 following 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 Ctrl+Alt+F7 to return to the main desktop and Ctrl+Alt+F8 to go back to the newly created one.

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions

Instructions

References

↑ CodeWeavers: Proud Supporters of The Wine Project, Crossover and Wine developement

[1] CodeWeavers: Proud Supporters of The Wine Project, Crossover and Wine developement

[1]

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 {{++}} Native Linux version of [[Steam]] has been released.
 {{++}} The number of natively supported Linux games has dramatically increased with the introduction of the [[Humble Indie Bundle]].
-{{--}} Windows-only games can be run using [[#Wine|Wine]] but this can be significantly more challenging than on [[Windows]].
+{{--}} Windows-only games can be run using [[#Wine|Wine]], but this can be significantly more challenging than on [[Windows]].
 '''GOG.com'''
@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 ==Distributions==
-Many different distributions of Linux exist. A great family is based on [[Wikipedia:Debian|Debian]] (Ubuntu is Debian-based). An other family is rpm-based (Fedora, Mageia, PCLinuxOS, Opensuse). There are also some other smaller families as Gentoo (Sabayon is Gentoo-based), Slackware (Salix is Slackware-based) and Arch (Manjaro is Arch-based)
+Many different distributions of Linux exist. A great family is based on [[Wikipedia:Debian|Debian]], such as Ubuntu. Another family is the RPM-based distributions (Fedora, Mageia, PCLinuxOS, Opensuse). There are also some other smaller families, such as Gentoo (e.g. Sabayon), Slackware (e.g. Salix) and Arch Linux (e.g. Manjaro)
 ===Arch===
-[[Wikipedia:Arch Linux|Arch Linux]] is one of the most popular ''minimalist'' distribution. It is only recommended for intermediate to advanced Linux users and requires a good understanding of terminal commands and patience. However one of the benefits of its minimal software approach is the user gets what software they want, the latest version of it, and performance unmatched by distros like Ubuntu.
+[[Wikipedia:Arch Linux|Arch Linux]] is one of the most popular ''minimalist'' distribution. It is only recommended for intermediate to advanced Linux users and requires a good understanding of command-line interactions, directory hierarchy, etc. For new and old users alike, patience is highly valued.
-:There are also Arch based distributions. [[Wikipedia:Manjaro Linux|Manjaro]] and [[Wikipedia:Antergos|Antergos]] are based on Arch and are both easier to install and use than Arch.
+One of the benefits of its minimal software approach is the user gets what software they want, the latest version of it, and performance unmatched by other, ''heavy-weight'' distributions, such as Ubuntu. However, this all depends on you, and what software you install.
+:Alike Debian, some distributions have derived from Arch Linux. Two examples are [[Wikipedia:Manjaro Linux|Manjaro]] and [[Wikipedia:Antergos|Antergos]]. While both are based on Arch, they are both easier to install and manage for non-intermediate users.
 ===SteamOS===
-[[Wikipedia:SteamOS|SteamOS]] is a Debian Linux-based operating system in development by Valve Corporation designed to be the primary operating system for the Steam Machine game consoles. It was initially released on December 13, 2013, alongside the start of end-user beta testing of Steam Machines. While SteamOS is targeted for the Steam Machines, the operating system itself can be installed on any compatible computer system. The full release of Steam Machines, Steam controller, and Steam Link, is due this November, 2015.
+[[Wikipedia:SteamOS|SteamOS]] is a Debian-based operating system in development by Valve Corporation designed to be the primary operating system for the Steam Machine game consoles. It was initially released on December 13, 2013, alongside the start of end-user beta testing of Steam Machines.
+While SteamOS is targeted for the Steam Machines, the operating system itself can be installed on any compatible computer system.
 ===Ubuntu===
 [[Wikipedia:Ubuntu (operating system)|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 center exclusive to this specific family of Linux distributions.
-:There are many Ubuntu based distributions like [[Wikipedia:Linux mint|Linux Mint]] also recommended for inexperienced users
+The [[Ubuntu Software Centre]] is a distribution centre exclusive to this specific family of Linux distributions, which can be easier to use in difference to command-line programs.
+:There are many Ubuntu-based distributions, such as [[Wikipedia:Linux mint|Linux Mint]], which are also recommended for inexperienced users.
 ==Useful Programs==
 ===Wine===
-[[Wine]] is a compatibility layer that allows one to run Windows applications and games on Linux. 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.
+[[Wine]] is a compatibility layer that allows one to run Windows applications and games on Linux. 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.
-{{ii}} Tools like [http://www.playonlinux.com/en/ PlayOnLinux] and [https://www.codeweavers.com/ Crossover] make Wine much easier to manage. PlayOnLinux is free of cost, whereas Crossover charges a fee for 1 year of updates and support from the Crossover support team. While both solutions use much of the same technology, the communities and support differ. By using Crossover however, you will directly support Wine development.<ref>CodeWeavers: Proud Supporters of The Wine Project, [https://www.codeweavers.com/about/support_wine Crossover and Wine developement]</ref>
+:{{ii}} Tools like [http://www.playonlinux.com/en/ PlayOnLinux] and [https://www.codeweavers.com/ Crossover] make Wine much easier to manage. PlayOnLinux is free of cost, whereas Crossover charges a fee for 1 year of updates and support from the Crossover support team. While both solutions use much of the same technology, the communities and support differ. By using Crossover however, you will directly support Wine development.<ref>CodeWeavers: Proud Supporters of The Wine Project, [https://www.codeweavers.com/about/support_wine Crossover and Wine developement]</ref>
 ===The Shell===
-The [[Wikipedia:Bash (Unix shell)|Unix Shell "bash"]] available on most Linux-distributions by default 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 as much more software is available when you do not restrict it to GUI-only. However the vast majority of daily-usage tasks can be accomplished with GUI-tools.
+The [[Wikipedia:Bash (Unix shell)|Unix Shell "bash"]] available on most Linux-distributions by default 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 as much more software is available when you do not restrict it to GUI-only.
 This wiki focuses mostly on how to do things with the shell as it is much more easier to provide instructions on a text-basis instead of a GUI-usage-description.
-In order to access the shell you most likely want to use a so-called "terminal emulator" or just "terminal". In most cases one is shipped with your distributions and you can find it in the applications menu installed.
-[https://code.google.com/edu/tools101/linux/basics.html Google Code University] provides a good starting guide on learning bash.
+In order to access the shell you will want to use a terminal emulator. Almost all distributions will ship with one by default. Examples of terminal emulators are Termite, Terminator, and Urxvt.
 ===Steam===
-The [[Steam]] client for Linux only officially supports [[Wikipedia:Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 12.04 LTS or later but is compatible with most distributions. You can download it by using your distro's package manager or from the [http://store.steampowered.com/about/ Steam about page].
+The [[Steam]] client for Linux only officially supports [[Wikipedia:Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 12.04 LTS or later, but is compatible with most distributions. You can download it by using your distribution's package manager or from the [http://store.steampowered.com/about/ Steam about page].
 :{{--}} Some window managers, such as [[wikipedia:I3wm|I3wm]] and bspwm, may have trouble managing the Steam client, both in tiled and floating mode.
@@ Line 65: / Line 74: @@
 The [http://bumblebee-project.org/ Bumblebee] project provides support for discrete/integrated combos of graphic cards. After installing Bumblebee, games can be run on the nVidia card by running {{Code|1=primusrun '/YOURGAMEPATH'}} or by adding 'primusrun %command%' to the command launch parameter in Steam.
-NOTE: On some less-than-recent distributions, optirun is used in place of primusrun. The above works just as well with optirun
+:On some less-than-recent distributions, <code>optirun</code> is used in place of <code>primusrun</code>. The above works just as well with <code>optirun</code>.
-Alternatively the nVidia driver can be used only, this however requires some changes in the xorg-config-files. For a complete documentation to achieve this see here: [https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NVIDIA_Optimus#Using_nvidia ArchLinux Wiki: nVidia Optimus#Using nVidia]
+Alternatively, only the nVidia driver can be used. This, however, requires some changes in the xorg-config-files. For a complete documentation to achieve this see here: [https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/NVIDIA_Optimus#Using_nvidia ArchLinux Wiki: nVidia Optimus#Using nVidia]
 ====ATi/AMD====
-http://wiki.cchtml.com/
+Refer to [http://wiki.cchtml.com/ Unofficial Wiki for the AMD Linux Driver].
 ===Nvidia===
@@ Line 93: / Line 102: @@
 '''Notes'''
-{{++}} To automate this when the system starts, append the command to your <code>~/.xinitrc</code>-file (before the line starting with <code>exec</code>), or your desktop environment's equivalent.
+{{++}} To automate this when the system starts, prepend the command to your <code>~/.xinitrc</code>-file, or your desktop environment's equivalent.
 }}
 ===Graphics Drivers===
-{{ii}} On Ubuntu the drivers can be installed using a graphical utility. Ubuntu will automatically notify you if there are proprietary drivers available for your graphics card to install.
+:{{ii}} On Ubuntu the drivers can be installed using a graphical utility. Ubuntu will automatically notify you if there are proprietary drivers available for your graphics card to install.
-As most Linux-distributions by default only provide open source, community-driven drivers, Linux cannot completely utilize the GPU. Proprietary drivers however are generally much faster and can be installed via ''jockey-text'':
-) Install jockey-text on Ubuntu: <code>sudo apt-get install jockey-text</code>
-) List drivers: <code>jockey-text --list</code>
-) Enable the correct driver (whichever mentions being current) e.g.: <code>jockey-text -e xorg:nvidia_current</code>
+Most Linux distributions will have both propriety and community-driven drivers available. It is important to note that not all games will be playable -- either at all, or nor as well -- with community drivers. On the other hand, not all propriety drivers are compatible with the most recent and stable version of X.
 ===Disable Desktop Compositing in Fullscreen===
-{{Fixbox|1=
-{{fixbox/fix|Compiz}}
-# Install CCSM (CompizConfig Settings Manager) using your distro's package manager.
-# Enable '''unredirect fullscreen''' windows under '''general settings'''
-'''Notes'''
-{{ii}} Be careful! This tool can easily break your desktop environment!
-{{ii}} This is unnecessary in Ubuntu 12.10 and later, as this setting is enabled by default.
-}}
 {{Fixbox|1=
 {{fixbox/fix|KDE}}