Here's an off-the-wall topic. Fedora Core 6 is out and it is Linux- based by RedHat. I'm new to the whole Linux thing and need some advice. Is it even worth trying to use when it comes to gaming? I know it's great dealing with networking and all, but I built my system for gaming/mp3s. Fedora is free and all and is tempting, but it seems to be a headache to install since it's in pieces and one of the download file is 3 damn gigs, that's like 2 or 3 days using broadband download. If anyone uses Linux, lemme know whaddup. thanks

Dreh

All I know is, if you install Linux make sure you don't install over your Windows download. That's the main reason I don't have Linux. I'm afraid I'll mess something up.

My distribution of ubuntu came with a partition manager. I have it so that I can dual-boot in both Linux and Windows.

I primarily use Linux because of security reasons, and EVERYTHING WORKS! (Which is more than I can say for Windows)

I still have Windows for programs I cannot get on Linux (such as games, some of my engineering apps)

I use Linux for main computer usage, such as mp3s, IRC, web surfing, etc. When I use Windows, I use it for specific things. To answer your question, the best setup is a dual-boot setup. If you do your day-to-day stuff in Linux, you don't get viruses. If you use Windows strictly for specific things, Windows ends up working -better- because it's not being overused and overloaded with random processes that slow it down.

I'm all for dual-booting. And EVERY Linux distro (save for one or two) is free. I use Ubuntu, but there are many others that work very well.

Furthermore, things with Linux clients (such as the first NWN) work great. Linux is more command-line based, so if you have experience with command line of any sort, it's a breath of fresh air from the Windows (This file is being used! Cannot access!) stuff that comes with them getting rid of -their- command line, which is far beyond idiotic, in my opinion.

The good thing about Linux is that it's pretty much basically graphics overlayed on command line, so there are little to no background processes to slow you down. The way Linux uses ports and permissions pretty much eliminates the need for antivirus and spyware software, because if anything wants to install itself on your computer, it has to have your password. (Unlike Windows, which installs stuff anyway)

Linux is good for gaming, but Windows is more supported, because it's the OS opiate of the masses. More people use windows, so more money goes there for game developers.

I've found there are Linux alternatives to everything aside from -specific- programs. If you have any idea what you're doing with computers, Linux is pretty good.

That sounds like an awesome setup you have going there and I'll probably go with that too. My rig is built for gaming primarily, but with the secondary mp3, videos, etc. Question is, my boot drive is 80 gigs, I know I'll have enough room, just unsure how large Linux is. I also might go with the new Fedora Core 6 that is out since I know so little about Linux. I also have a secondary computer I use for word processing that will probably end up with Linux too. Only prob I saw earlier when researching is that I don't think Sound Blaster supports Linux, or do they? Also, Ati/Amd, which is what I use. But, like you said, dual-boot.

-Dreh-

I would not recommend migrating to any linux enviroment if consider your computer is for 'gaming'. If you are looking to expand your horizons and are interesting in slowly learning a new operating system for reasons outside of gaming and mild audio/video entertainment, then it could be a fun project. However, Windows is pretty awesome at playing every game out there and is plenty for your viewing and listening pleasure.

I'll commend you if you actually decide to go *nix, but it is overkill.

Well, like I said before, games that are released for Linux work GREAT in Linux.

Bad part is, not all games are released for Linux. So, use each as needed. I've found that Windows works well only if you use it for specific things and don't use it for primary computer usage (surfing the web and all that). Spyware and viruses have pissed me off to the point where I dual-boot now, and use Linux primarily.

Windows is like an athlete with a poor immune system. It'll works well when you keep it away from the elements (the internet) or with little exposure. But as soon as you get too much exposure, it's puking all over the place, being lethargic, and doesn't want to get out of bed.

If XP is any clue to where Windows is headed, Micro$oft isn't going to get my money for Windows Vista, I can assure you that.

If you have ATI's card, don't bother. Tried to play NWN with it, and the game always crashed in 2-5 minutes + all other weird problems. Then I bought Nvidias's card and NWN is working like a dream. Actually, it hasn't ever crashed.

I can also recommend Ubuntu, though I'm using Kubuntu. I'm using dual-boot for some Windows games and other programs.

Still, if you want to play Windows games under Linux, that is, somehow, possible. I have played games like Warcraft 3 and Diablo 2 with Wine. And if you want to pay 5€/month, there's Cedega.