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Linux

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Revision as of 07:05, 22 December 2012 by Dr jackd (talk | contribs) (→‎Graphics Drivers: Made it more general, could apply to Ati people now too)

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Linux is a popular operating system with many different versions (or "distributions") based upon it.

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 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

Instructions
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 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.

Instructions
Instructions
Instructions
Instructions