Linux / NS2 / Steam
Exoskelett
Join Date: 2012-12-18 Member: 175509Members, Reinforced - Supporter
Join Date: 2012-12-18 Member: 175509Members, Reinforced - Supporter
So hey everybody and whats up?
since valve has started to support on linux my question actually is: does NS2 already run on linux? and how does it works? - do i have to rebuy any of my windows games on the steamplatform and where do i get the linuxsystem at all.
Would be nice if i and others can get some declarations on that stuff and might would be nice to hear by the development team about the support running for linux.
Im pretty pissed by windows for several years now, since D3D sounds fucked up by vista/7 and all other bad changes wich has been added after windows XP - so at all i just want to give LINUX a try - all declarations for this specific topic are welcome
since valve has started to support on linux my question actually is: does NS2 already run on linux? and how does it works? - do i have to rebuy any of my windows games on the steamplatform and where do i get the linuxsystem at all.
Would be nice if i and others can get some declarations on that stuff and might would be nice to hear by the development team about the support running for linux.
Im pretty pissed by windows for several years now, since D3D sounds fucked up by vista/7 and all other bad changes wich has been added after windows XP - so at all i just want to give LINUX a try - all declarations for this specific topic are welcome
Comments
There are no stated plans for developing one, though a Linux server is still on the to-do list (this will not allow you to play NS2 on a Linux system, only to host games for players on Windows).
The devs have said that they would like one, but have not committed to actually doing it.
Steam offers 'Crossplay'; buy it once, and you're able to play on Windows/Linux/Mac if there is a version available for that given platform. No need to re-buy for each one.
The most-supported version of Linux as far as Steam is concerned is Ubuntu Desktop 12.04 (32-bit, though 64-bit can be made to work) or 12.10; a disk image (ISO) can be downloaded for free from the Ubuntu website and burned to a CD/DVD/USB thumbdrive. Which can also be used to 'try out' Linux, either by booting from the disc/USB thumbdrive, or I believe running as a virtual machine under Windows. Either option includes an 'install now' option, but do be careful... as with installing any OS, unless you know exactly what you are doing, it's most likely you will destroy all data on the machine. So save any files you want to keep to an external drive. There is also the option to install as a dual-boot (and choose which to start each time you boot up) but hard drive space is not shared between the OSes. So you can run out of hard drive space REALLY quick.
I'd also advise installing the 'gnome-panel' package, if you do decide to go with Ubuntu; it allows far greater control than the default Unity desktop (which tends to hide everything, annoyingly).
I run BT through VMware if I ever want to do anything in Linux. Running games under virtual machines is slow, so if I were you I'd install OS onto two partitions and dual boot.
Any Linux client will have to have a viable business case in its own right. As Mac and Linux grow as gaming platforms, this business case will get steadily easier to make, thought it is by no means a clear win. Any Linux client will require an expensive investment in development and only with continued growth in the Windows version could such an investment be made.
It would be wonderful to see Tux, the Apple and the flag all sitting together on the NS2 Steam Store page!
anyways hopefully you guys keep us updated if Linux Support for server/OS will be ready
Drivers for ATi(AMD) and nVidia should be able to be installed just by using the 'install restricted drivers' option (as they're all closed-source). Most of the rest auto-installs (as there are open-source drivers for most chipsets and CPUs).
Out of curiosity, did you bother to Google for any of the errors, or just give up immediately?
The package managers (like Ubuntu Software Center), the general adjustability (I use [Windows Key] + [Up/Down Arrow] to snap windows to the top/bottom half of the screen for instance... It's increadibly useful - how do I do that in Windows 8?) are some of the benefits. The FUBAR'red file system in Linux is a real nuisance though. It's pure pain trying to navigate outside your home folder (etc, share, bin, sbin, var, lib, dev, usr - what?). I don't even want to mention compiling software from source, and all the dependencies. The dependencies, my God, the dependencies. Is it really that important to save a few kB's or MB's here and there? I don't get it.
Ehrrm! Anyway. I run Xubuntu on my notebook and it's great. If you have a slower computer I can really recommend it instead of XP.
If they made NS2 for Linux I would consider using some kind of Ubuntu on my desktop computer too. Probably with Windows on another partition for those cases when I need software that isn't available on Linux.
I had circular dependency once. Lol that was awful.
Also, when I ran WC3 with wine on ubuntu, it was loading faster and running on higher fps than on XP - same machine, both os fresh installed ^^ - never found out why.
Nevertheless, I think I speak for a lot of people, when I say: The only reason I am running windows is because of the games.
It is not because I think linux is "better". It is mostly because I dont want to pay for an OS with bugs, when I can have an OS with bugs for free.
I sort of agree. Windows 8 was a bad move and I can see the way they are going with operating systems. So I wish I had an alternative but my games keep me binded.
Making it an optional compatibility mode for phones/tablets? Fine. Making it the default and screwing up the rather well-honed desktop interface, just to stroke some middle manager's ego that their Metro pet project isn't completely worthless and deserving of being scrapped? That's... a mistake.
Far as the KDE/Gnome divide goes, I found KDE to be a bit too bloated in comparison, with a lot more compatibility issues to boot. Even if it is a bit more familiar-looking.
I'm pretty sure we can all agree that Unity is worthless trash at least, and speculate on which hard drugs the team must have been on to pull a precursor to Win8. Again; decent(ish) on a tablet. TERRIBLE for an actual desktop.
I'm rocking Mint 14 Cinnamon here.
Also, talesin's on a vendetta people, TO THE TRENCHES!
Please explain how OpenGL is better.
Please explain how OpenGL ISN'T better?!
Edit: Are you one of those big corporations give better support than open sourced communities guys?
Because trust me, they don't.