Linux?

[Kinag]

I'm considering to scrap up my Windows XP and go over to Linux though I have a few questions.

1. Does Linux support games at all?

2. Is it REALLY hard to get to know the program?

3. How much does it cost?

4. Does Linux support most programs/games etc. out there?

Thanks, just a bit curious ;p

 

[Naffets]

one answer for all

google.

1) Linux supports some games, from what i understand you need an emulator to emulate DX API so you can play windows based games.

2) Depends on the distro, some distrubitions are really easy (knoppix) where some are quite hard.

3) Free dependant on distro + where you get it from

4) No.

 

[Alan]

I'm considering to scrap up my Windows XP and go over to Linux though I have a few questions.

1. Does Linux support games at all?

2. Is it REALLY hard to get to know the program?

3. How much does it cost?

4. Does Linux support most programs/games etc. out there?

Thanks, just a bit curious ;p

1. Some games have a linux port, but not many you can run emulation for windows calls but thats just adding another layer of complexity if you can struggle to get the game to work. I think there has been limited success on getting DAOC to work but im fairly sure no one actually runs DAOC under linux

2. With persistence you can learn any new OS but expect a steep learning curve

3. Most linux distributions are free.

4. Nope linux supports programs/games written for linux - see #1

 

[Ryuno]

If your just after a casual OS, and play a few games, I really wouldn't recommend Linux.

If you have a second PC, or want to Dual Boot (2 OS on 1 machine), then it can be fun to play around with, but like Tears says, its a steep learning curve.

 

[Escape]

Don't throw Windows out just yet!

Linux isn't "newbie friendly", it's easier with some programming experience as you will need to use the "command line" and be a geek at some point. If you're willing to trawl through forums and newgroups, you can copy+paste fixes to your configuration files to makes things work.

Generally, if you're having a problem making sound work with application X... others have already had that problem. Using the search terms "<linux distro> + <application> + no sound" and you'll probably find forum topics with the same problem and a fix. Fixing things in Linux can become a little more involved than in Windows.

Ubuntu is popular for it's simplicity.
Fedora 5 is easy enough to use aswell.

Both have alot of community support and are good to start with. Start with a dual-boot setup as Linux is not a replacement OS for gaming.

 

[Chronictank]

dont do it, as said above unless its a 2nd pc
its really not worth the hassel