Games

[jfank]

I'm new to Linux. I have a friend that uses Linux, and I am ver interested in it. One of my biggest questions is the different games I play like Halo, Battlefield, Half-Life, etc. How would I get those different games to work on Linux. Is it possible to get those games to work on Linux.

I also have the same question with programs that are to be ran on Windows, and how or if they would work on Linux.

Like I said I am very new to this, and still learning how Linux runs, and from what I've read on this forum so far it will be a big help to me in learning on how to run the OS

[KClaisse]

Welcome to FedoraForum!


Here's the catch with linux, games can be different, sometimes. Some games, i.e. UT2004, Quake series, Doom 3 (see the pattern here) can run natively on Linux. By natively I mean that they were made with linux in mind.

Now just because some games don't support linux, doesn't mean it won't run. This point also applies to windows apps as well.

There are several programs out there that can 'emulate' the windows environment. These programs are not complete so some programs won't be able to run on them.
The programs are (I hope I didn't miss any)
Wine (http://www.winehq.com/)
WineX (http://sourceforge.net/projects/winex)
Cedega (http://www.transgaming.com/index.php?module=ContentExpress&func=display&ceid=2&meid=-1)
CrossOver Office (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxoffice/).


I haven't used any of the commercial solutions, or WineX, but I have got Counter Strike Source running successfully using Wine.

For information on which windows application Wine can run, go here (http://appdb.winehq.org/appbrowse.php)
Note that some applications can run, some can't yet.

I, personally, wouldn't bother with the commercial programs unless you are really serious about switching (i.e. using linux 90% of the time). This is a big leap so I suggest that you play around with Fedora and Wine until you either get comfortable or realize that linux might not be the right thing for you.

I would also suggest that you ask your friend to help you out. And before installing linux on one of your computers, ask you friend if he will let you 'test-drive' linux for yourself. Some people can 'do' linux, some can't. I once formatted my friends drive and installed Fedora on it while he was on vacation, he has never been happier. His parents weren't too pleased with it :p I admit!

But there is also another aspect of windows apps in linux, a GREAT one. There almost always is an alternative that is either equivalent, or better. And most certainly free!

A terrific example would be to compare Microsoft Office and a free alternative named OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org)

I don't have the space to compare it here but I found a nice comparison that is worth reading here (http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page4382.cfm?CFID=21772583&CFTOKEN=55564989)

Overall, I think that making the switch to linux is a bold thing to do in a world commanded by proprietary software. It will surely benefit you in the long run.

Also, don't you and your friend forget to register yourselfs for the Linux Counter! (http://counter.li.org/). Help our numbers grow!

[bob]

(moved to Gamers Lounge)

[pparks1]

There almost always is an alternative that is either equivalent, or better
For most applications, I would tend to agree with you. With regards to GAMES....I don't honestly thing that is the case.

[KClaisse]

For most applications, I would tend to agree with you. With regards to GAMES....I don't honestly thing that is the case.

Yea, that was what I ment. Apps is one story, while games is completely different.
Although there are many games that work in linux, enough to satisfy most genres.

[jfank]

My friend is going to install Linux on one of my laptops. I'm going to run two different laptops in my truck. One with Windows, and the other with Linux that way I can fully get to know Linux better and still have the one with Windows when I need to run programs while learning the ways of Linux. I do want to thank you for giving me some pointers on different apps with Linux. My biggest thing is the type of games I run. I run pretty much all the different style war games, and I love them to death, and wanting them to all work on Linux.