Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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ELI5: What causes a Steam game not to run on an operating system like a Linux distro? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 week ago by Kayday@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I primarily use my pc for gaming, and want to avoid upgrading to Windows 11. Beginning the journey of looking into alternatives.

I am ignorant, trying to be less so. I have a hard time understanding what exactly makes a game not work just because of OS.

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[–] ada@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 week ago

An analogy is that operating languages speak different languages. And an app built for one operating system doesn't speak the language of others.

But in the case of Linux, there are lots of really good tools that let Linux understand Windows apps. Steam has those tools built right in.

Where it falls down is that the tools that let Linux understand and run Windows apps aren't perfect. So things like DRM, anti cheat, propriety drivers etc, can be a challenge.

But currently, if you're not running games that use kernel level anti cheat, the vast majority of games will work on Linux. The steamdeck uses Linux itself, so it's a high priority for valve to get as much working as possible.