Steam for linux beta!

[Peter1986C]

Could you consider using only one monitor in Mint, so that there is a better chance of us getting it working?

 

[Guitar]

Well sure I'd consider it..I'm using one now. But I want to eventually use it. What I'm trying to sort of go with in an "experiment" is the modern Linux OS being user friendly, and so far, it hasn't exactly been.

 

[Peter1986C]

I think you are extremely SOL with the matter.

 

[TheMailMan78]

Well sure I'd consider it..I'm using one now. But I want to eventually use it. What I'm trying to sort of go with in an "experiment" is the modern Linux OS being user friendly, and so far, it hasn't exactly been.

Yeah they are not. Linux isnt easy to use at all. People who program think its so simple too and its misleading. Linux has MANY years before its ready for prime time.

 

[Mindweaver]

I don't know fellows. I believe Android will bring Linux to people quicker than they realize they are even using Linux. I think 60%-70% of Windows home users could get by with using Ubuntu 12.10. It's very easy to use, and handles Facebook very well. I think Steams OS's will be very close to the Android/Google OS or just load straight into "big picture" for TV's and just the regular steam browser for PC's with it's added software feature.

 

[Guitar]

I don't know fellows. I believe Android will bring Linux to people quicker than they realize they are even using Linux. I think 60%-70% of Windows home users could get by with using Ubuntu 12.10. It's very easy to use, and handles Facebook very well. I think Steams OS's will be very close to the Android/Google OS or just load straight into "big picture" for TV's and just the regular steam browser for PC's with it's added software feature.

Android is a COMPLETELY different story. You're talking about a mobile OS that is as easy as clicking download on an app, changing settings, and the like. There are no proprietary drivers to install, everything comes out already installed on the phone and all you have to do is use apps and start playing around. If I gave Ubuntu to my mom she wouldn't know what to do with it.

 

[Mindweaver]

Android is a COMPLETELY different story. You're talking about a mobile OS that is as easy as clicking download on an app, changing settings, and the like. There are no proprietary drivers to install, everything comes out already installed on the phone and all you have to do is use apps and start playing around. If I gave Ubuntu to my mom she wouldn't know what to do with it.

And that is what I'm talking about.. Android was made easy enough for people to use on there phones.. Also, I said Android/Google OS. Google sales a notebook with just a Google OS called the Chromebook. It's affordable and has everything most users need in a windows base pc. We can't be so closed minded. There was a time when DX was very bad and OpenGL had the best graphics and all games had it. I can see OpenGL coming back strong to gaming because of companys like Valve pushing the SteamBox. I'm not saying DX is bad, because it has come along way since early DX, but I would like to have the option again to run my games in GL or DX.

Have you used the lastest Ubuntu? It's very user friendly and if Microsoft thinks people can jump on Windows 8 with out any problem why can you believe people can learn to us Linux? I think people sale themselves short.

 

[TheMailMan78]

And that is what I'm talking about.. Android was made easy enough for people to use on there phones.. Also, I said Android/Google OS. Google sales a notebook with just a Google OS called the Chromebook. It's affordable and has everything most users need in a windows base pc. We can't be so closed minded. There was a time when DX was very bad and OpenGL had the best graphics and all games had it. I can see OpenGL coming back strong to gaming because of companys like Valve pushing the SteamBox. I'm not saying DX is bad, because it has come along way since early DX, but I would like to have the option again to run my games in GL or DX.

Have you used the lastest Ubuntu? It's very user friendly and if Microsoft thinks people can jump on Windows 8 with out any problem why can you believe people can learn to us Linux? I think people sale themselves short.

Windows 8 is a LOT more easy to use the Ubuntu. Ubuntu isn't even in the same ballpark with Windows 8 in usability.

 

[WhiteLotus]

Windows 8 is a LOT more easy to use the Ubuntu. Ubuntu isn't even in the same ballpark with Windows 8 in usability.

I disagree, even my mum knows how to use Ubuntu and she is, how shall I put it, not a computer whisper. At all. Not one bit. She knows nothing about computers. Nada. Zilch.


But she can go to the ubuntu "store" type in solitaire and download/install it.

 

[Guitar]

And that is what I'm talking about.. Android was made easy enough for people to use on there phones.. Also, I said Android/Google OS. Google sales a notebook with just a Google OS called the Chromebook. It's affordable and has everything most users need in a windows base pc. We can't be so closed minded. There was a time when DX was very bad and OpenGL had the best graphics and all games had it. I can see OpenGL coming back strong to gaming because of companys like Valve pushing the SteamBox. I'm not saying DX is bad, because it has come along way since early DX, but I would like to have the option again to run my games in GL or DX.

Have you used the lastest Ubuntu? It's very user friendly and if Microsoft thinks people can jump on Windows 8 with out any problem why can you believe people can learn to us Linux? I think people sale themselves short.

Yes, I have used the latest Ubuntu, and couldn't get Steam working or the AMD drivers to act correctly, same problems I am having now on Mint. And Windows 8, as much as I hate the stupid interface, is infinitely easier to use than any version of Linux.

Android is a mobile platform built for the masses. It HAS to be easy. Have you seen its rival? iOS is so easy a 5 year old can do take an iPod touch and do whatever it wants with it. And with a Chromebook, you're still not having to enter commands and it has all the basic software and everything already included and installed for what people need to do. Closed minded? Give me a break.

 

[Mindweaver]

Windows 8 is a LOT more easy to use the Ubuntu. Ubuntu isn't even in the same ballpark with Windows 8 in usability.

I'm not saying it is or isn't.. I'm saying it is something different then what users are use to using.

Yes, I have used the latest Ubuntu, and couldn't get Steam working or the AMD drivers to act correctly, same problems I am having now on Mint. And Windows 8, as much as I hate the stupid interface, is infinitely easier to use than any version of Linux.

Android is a mobile platform built for the masses. It HAS to be easy. Have you seen its rival? iOS is so easy a 5 year old can do take an iPod touch and do whatever it wants with it. And with a Chromebook, you're still not having to enter commands and it has all the basic software and everything already included and installed for what people need to do. Closed minded? Give me a break.

You guys were saying it was going to be years before Linux was usable by the masses.. and I disagreed. So, it'll take years, because you're having problems with something that is still in BETA? Also, Android is a Linux distro, and I don't care how you cut it.

 

[Peter1986C]

Yes, I have used the latest Ubuntu, and couldn't get Steam working or the AMD drivers to act correctly, same problems I am having now on Mint. And Windows 8, as much as I hate the stupid interface, is infinitely easier to use than any version of Linux.

Android is a mobile platform built for the masses. It HAS to be easy. Have you seen its rival? iOS is so easy a 5 year old can do take an iPod touch and do whatever it wants with it. And with a Chromebook, you're still not having to enter commands and it has all the basic software and everything already included and installed for what people need to do. Closed minded? Give me a break.

Maybe it is also a problem that many of us have:
1) enthusiast hardware
2) multiple montors
3) a wish to play games

The mentioned moms do not have all that.

Plus, I have not used Mint for ages and ran out of ideas regarding Linux OSes that would guaranteed work for you and lack a slight learning curve. Else I had been providing you way better assistance and things may not have been such a big deal.

 

[Guitar]

I'm not saying it is or isn't.. I'm saying it is something different then what users are use to using.



You guys were saying it was going to be years before Linux was usable by the masses.. and I disagreed. So, it'll take years, because you're having problems with something that is still in BETA? Also, Android is a Linux distro, and I don't care how you cut it.

Where did I say anything about that at all? I never even said it wasn't usable by the masses until my last comment. AND IT ISN'T. I don't care how you cut it. I'm having problems with Steam, I'm having problems with dual monitors, I'm having problems with AMD drivers, and to just do a simple thing like watch Netflix I had to go through and install a repository and then update and then download the application, all via the terminal, whereas in Android or Windows it is as simple as downloading a browser or an application. Again, where did I ever say Android isn't a Linux distro? Even though it isn't nearly a traditional distro, it is BASED off the Linux platform. However it isn't even remotely the same thing as a full blown Linux operating system. That's like saying iOS is the same thing as OSX.

Maybe it is also a problem that many of us have:
1) enthusiast hardware
2) multiple montors
3) a wish to play games

The mentioned moms do not have all that.

Plus, I have not used Mint for ages and ran out of ideas regarding Linux OSes that would guaranteed work for you and lack a slight learning curve. Else I had been providing you way better assistance and things may not have been such a big deal.

My mentioned mom is none of those. Except that she likes Netflix, she has to use Excel for her workplace and a clone that isn't as robust is not going to cut it, and for basic day to day operations having to get used to a whole new operating system with no pros besides being free to the average consumer is ridiculous. And the free thing doesn't even matter in the grand scheme because Windows comes bundled on these PCs that moms would buy anyways so that is a moot point. Gets less viruses? Maybe but a good AV and you're good.

 

[Easy Rhino]

just do a simple thing like watch Netflix

no netflix on linux. won't ever happen.

 

[Guitar]

no netflix on linux. won't ever happen.

It's in a modified Wine/FireFox, but it works.

Install Netflix in Linux Mint, Fedora and Ubuntu -...

Natively? Maybe not.

 

[Mindweaver]

Where did I say anything about that at all? I never even said it wasn't usable by the masses until my last comment.

If I gave Ubuntu to my mom she wouldn't know what to do with it.

whereas in Android or Windows it is as simple as downloading a browser or an application.

So, you're saying android is linux and is easy to use, but linux isn't user friendly?... Err ok

My mentioned mom is none of those. Except that she likes Netflix, she has to use Excel for her workplace and a clone that isn't as robust is not going to cut it, and for basic day to day operations having to get used to a whole new operating system with no pros besides being free to the average consumer is ridiculous. And the free thing doesn't even matter in the grand scheme because Windows comes bundled on these PCs that moms would buy anyways so that is a moot point. Gets less viruses? Maybe but a good AV and you're good.

I said windows home users, not people who use excel in a work place. Now you're telling me it's better to pay for something you can get for free? and again the point I'm trying to get across with Android is that more people start using Linux the easier, and better it will get for most people. Did you ever use early versions of Android? Well they were not as easy to use as the latest version.. and that pc you buy with the bundled windows on it didn't cost more than say a pc with linux? I'm sorry to tell you, but who ever is offering the bundle has to pay Microsoft and that is included in the bundle.

This discussion over Linux's ease ability is over in this thread. If you do not have nothing to add to the OP then move along or you will be infracted, and this is the warning. I'm not changing your mind and you're not changing mine. Make a new thread and we will discuss it there, but not here. That goes with anymore about "how windows 8 is better" will get 5 points as well.

EDIT: You can send me a PM and we can continue there.

 

[Easy Rhino]

at this point, unless you are familiar with linux, i would only recommend installing ubuntu and using the package manager to install steam for linux. also, stick with the delivered nvidia drivers. if you have an amd gpu don't bother.

 

[techtard]

Yeah just added an old 4870 to my linux box inorder to give the beta a try.
Runs the main programm just fine and even runs big picture mode well. (had to drop an opengl driver in the steam folder)
But AMD has added the 4xxx series cards to legacy. The drivers are all old and not maintained, and are missing newer features needed for Steam on Linux.
There's a workaround posted on the Steam Linux hub, but I haven't bothered to try it out yet. Maybe I'll take a look at it after supper.

EDIT
I decided to dive in after several drinks and got TF2 to load. There was audio, but a black screen. So Installed the opensource Galleum (sp?) drivers and got the game to load, but there was massive graphical lag and corruption.
I might just leave it for a while and see if AMD or Valve delivers a patch orsome updated drivers.

 

[Easy Rhino]

people are forgetting that this is beta. what's more, it is a beta application running on linux where a lot of people have no idea what they are doing. i have an easy solution though. install ubuntu 12.10 and make sure you have a modern nvidia card and steam will fire up without an issue.

 

[Guitar]

people are forgetting that this is beta. what's more, it is a beta application running on linux where a lot of people have no idea what they are doing. i have an easy solution though. install ubuntu 12.10 and make sure you have a modern nvidia card and steam will fire up without an issue.

Great solution. It isn't really a solution ANYWAYS, because people using Linux already is what this is targeted for. That said, as I had suggested earlier, I was trying to see if Linux as a whole had gotten anymore user friendly than it has been in the best, and it isn't ready for the masses as I've stated earlier... Until Valve box comes out for gamers.

As well, I downloaded Ubuntu and had Steam installed on it, and it didn't run - as in even open the application, not in a game instance. If I could get it to stay open on Mint I'd be fine for the moment, but it won't even stay running enough to download a game.

 

[Easy Rhino]

Great solution. It isn't really a solution ANYWAYS, because people using Linux already is what this is targeted for.

and i bet 90% of the people already using linux, especially ubuntu, have steam for linux running without incident. that is a very good start for a beta program.

That said, as I had suggested earlier, I was trying to see if Linux as a whole had gotten anymore user friendly than it has been in the best, and it isn't ready for the masses as I've stated earlier...

ubuntu and its variants have made linux very easy to use so long as you stick with the delivered products and stick with the supported packages.

Until Valve box comes out for gamers.

well yea because gamers won't have any need to access the backend. it will all be setup for them to begin with...

As well, I downloaded Ubuntu and had Steam installed on it, and it didn't run - as in even open the application, not in a game instance. If I could get it to stay open on Mint I'd be fine for the moment, but it won't even stay running enough to download a game.

well you are part of the 10% that can't seem to get it working. best to go back to windows.

 

[NinkobEi]

no netflix on linux. won't ever happen.

I use netflix on linux all the time. There's a package that will install a custom version of WINE with firefox and a silverlight addon i. Works like a charm.

 

[Easy Rhino]

I use netflix on linux all the time. There's a package that will install a custom version of WINE with firefox and a silverlight addon i. Works like a charm.

i meant naively.

 

[Guitar]

Screw it, not even gonna get into it with you. Not worth my time.

Chevalr1c, I thank you kindly for all your help.

 

[techtard]

I would install another distro, but I'm near my bandwidth cap. Steam sale downloads and family over during the holidays.

I wondered why my sis stayed a few days extra. Turns out she was downloading a bunch of shit on my faster connection.

As for installing an nV card, I don't have any spares lying around. The IGP on my linux box has been more than enough for everything it needs to do.
Guess I'll ask some friends if they have an older card and see if they want to swap or sell cheap.

If not, I'll just wait until next month and hope that the AMD legacy driver situation has changed. It isn't a dealbreaker for me, I still have my dedicated W7 gaming machine.