Maximum Linux
I am a long-time MaximumPC reader, and read some of their recent articles on Linux topics and picked up a subscription to LXF as a result. So far I really like the magazine. I’ve tried Linux multiple times over the years and want to completely abandon Windows. I love the idea of one source and hate proprietary technologies, but the software issues have stopped me.
As a former Mac user, I found that even with Mac OS, and now with Linux, that I spend most of my time trying to make software I own run on it. LibreOffice is a fine alternative to Microsoft Office, but what about more specific things? Like games. I read the recent coverage on games and was encouraged, but for those that don’t have Linux versions Wine Isn’t always an option either. Any suggestions? DaveKings,NC,USA. Neil says: Glad to hear you’re enjoying the magazine and Linux! At this stage I think for people that really like to play with their PCs, Linux is the only option these days, but being pragmatic you don’t have to abandon Windows. A dual-boot orVirtualBox installation can eliminate most problems for non-3D accelerated programs, though migrating to native Linux or browser-based software is really the only longterm option.
As for games just four years ago, Linux was a borderline unusable gaming platform—next to no games, poor graphics driver support and no optimisation. Then Steam appeared in early 2013 and now there’s almost 2,000 native titles with quite a few AAA releases in there. I’ve started only buying games that offer Linux support. Drivers are now almost sorted and once Vulkan goes mainstream (in a year or two) performance will be nearing parity with Windows outof-the box. For day-to-day computing you can dump Windows, but for gaming it depends how choosy you feel you want to be with titles.