Steam will stop supporting Windows 7 and 8 in 2024.

[catfood]

As a general rule of thumb regarding old games: if the game can run on Windows 7 and above then it will almost certainly run through Wine as well. The vast majority of Windows XP games will run too. In general if a game requires a fix to get it to run on Windows, it will most likely require it on Linux too. As for those few pesky Windows 9X titles that will only run on that operating system then it will most certainly NOT run under Wine either. There's not much you can do about it.

 

[catfood]

Cheers, guys, appreciate the advice! Good to hear Linux is a viable gaming platform nowadays, I've jotted down some notes and will revisit them once I'm ready to get to it.

https://www.protondb.com/

Proton is a new tool released by Valve Software that has been integrated with Steam Play to make playing Windows games on Linux as simple as hitting the Play button within Steam.

I'm trying to get away from Gabe as much as Bill. But I get the idea, WINE and DXVK are what I need to look into for a compatibility layer.

Proton is a fork of Wine. You can use it without the Steam client if you want. For example Lutris has recently added the functionality of supporting Proton too.

 

[Melcar]

It pains me to say it, but the most viable solution for "normies" going Linux is to use one of those new inmutable distros. The major corporate distros seem to be going that way and others will follow suit.

 

[Melcar]

Cheers, guys, appreciate the advice! Good to hear Linux is a viable gaming platform nowadays, I've jotted down some notes and will revisit them once I'm ready to get to it.

https://www.protondb.com/

Proton is a new tool released by Valve Software that has been integrated with Steam Play to make playing Windows games on Linux as simple as hitting the Play button within Steam.

I'm trying to get away from Gabe as much as Bill. But I get the idea, WINE and DXVK are what I need to look into for a compatibility layer.

Proton is a fork of Wine. You can use it without the Steam client if you want. For example Lutris has recently added the functionality of supporting Proton too.

Or you can just use the Steam launcher to launch your local Windows games (they then run with whatever Proton version Steam has available). I mean, if you already have Steam and all.

 

[catfood]

Cheers, guys, appreciate the advice! Good to hear Linux is a viable gaming platform nowadays, I've jotted down some notes and will revisit them once I'm ready to get to it.

https://www.protondb.com/

Proton is a new tool released by Valve Software that has been integrated with Steam Play to make playing Windows games on Linux as simple as hitting the Play button within Steam.

I'm trying to get away from Gabe as much as Bill. But I get the idea, WINE and DXVK are what I need to look into for a compatibility layer.

Proton is a fork of Wine. You can use it without the Steam client if you want. For example Lutris has recently added the functionality of supporting Proton too.

Or you can just use the Steam launcher to launch your local Windows games (they then run with whatever Proton version Steam has available). I mean, if you already have Steam and all.

Yeah but he doesn't like Steam. Can't blame him.

 

[Shog-goth]

I'm trying to get away from Gabe as much as Bill. But I get the idea, WINE and DXVK are what I need to look into for a compatibility layer.

Proton is a modified and optimized version of Wine, developed by Valve specifically for gaming on Linux. Essentially, if a game works on Proton, there’s a good chance it will also work on Wine, since Proton is built on Wine.

 

[Gargaune]

Proton is a fork of Wine. You can use it without the Steam client if you want. For example Lutris has recently added the functionality of supporting Proton too.

Proton is a modified and optimized version of Wine, developed by Valve specifically for gaming on Linux. Essentially, if a game works on Proton, there’s a good chance it will also work on Wine, since Proton is built on Wine.

Thanks for the clarifications, I've updated my journal! If I can run it locally, it's worth looking into.

Or you can just use the Steam launcher to launch your local Windows games (they then run with whatever Proton version Steam has available). I mean, if you already have Steam and all.

Yeah but he doesn't like Steam. Can't blame him.

Yep! I mean, it's good to know if I had no other option, but I'd rather get my hands dirty if it means I can see the back of Steam entirely.

It pains me to say it, but the most viable solution for "normies" going Linux is to use one of those new inmutable distros. The major corporate distros seem to be going that way and others will follow suit.

You know I haven't updated my Mint HTPC since I first installed it? I only use it for movies and YouTube, so I don't care and just update Firefox every once in a blue moon. It's amazing not having to defend myself from some megacorp automatically pushing ads "improvements" to my purchase's Start Menu.

 

[Shog-goth]

It pains me to say it, but the most viable solution for "normies" going Linux is to use one of those new inmutable distros. The major corporate distros seem to be going that way and others will follow suit.

I understand your point, but I don’t see immutable distros becoming the primary solution for most Linux users anytime soon. Immutable systems offer strong stability and security by limiting changes to the base system, which can definitely be helpful for new users or corporate environments, but one of Linux’s biggest appeals is its flexibility and customization. For a lot of users the ability to freely tweak and control their setup is what draws them in.

While some major corporate-backed distros are embracing immutable models, it’s likely that traditional, mutable systems will continue to dominate for users who want control and flexibility. The Linux ecosystem is diverse, so immutable distros will probably remain as one option among many rather than the standard.

Anyway, the immutable distro that most closely resembles SteamOS is Bazzite: https://bazzite.gg/

 

[catfood]

I'm trying to get away from Gabe as much as Bill. But I get the idea, WINE and DXVK are what I need to look into for a compatibility layer.

Proton is a modified and optimized version of Wine, developed by Valve specifically for gaming on Linux. Essentially, if a game works on Proton, there’s a good chance it will also work on Wine, since Proton is built on Wine.

Regarding this: I have found that there is no one single Wine (or Proton) version that's going to be able to run every game. I have found some that will only run properly on an older Wine version, whereas others will only run on Proton, and vice-versa. Basically it's a good idea to have a whole bunch of prefixes lying around and juggle them to see which one works for which game.

Most games will run on any version but there I have found some exceptions as well. A few examples: Need for Speed 3 and 4 will only work through Proton, whereas Might&Magic 6-7-8 have non-responsive controls on anything but older versions of Wine-GE.

 

[Melcar]

It pains me to say it, but the most viable solution for "normies" going Linux is to use one of those new inmutable distros. The major corporate distros seem to be going that way and others will follow suit.

I understand your point, but I don’t see immutable distros becoming the primary solution for most Linux users anytime soon. Immutable systems offer strong stability and security by limiting changes to the base system, which can definitely be helpful for new users or corporate environments, but one of Linux’s biggest appeals is its flexibility and customization. For a lot of users the ability to freely tweak and control their setup is what draws them in.

While some major corporate-backed distros are embracing immutable models, it’s likely that traditional, mutable systems will continue to dominate for users who want control and flexibility. The Linux ecosystem is diverse, so immutable distros will probably remain as one option among many rather than the standard.

Anyway, the immutable distro that most closely resembles SteamOS is Bazzite: https://bazzite.gg/

That's why I said for normies. Most people complaining about their Windows don't want to muck around with Linux configurations and shit. They are looking for something that "just works".

 

[Shog-goth]

That's why I said for normies. Most people complaining about their Windows don't want to muck around with Linux configurations and shit. They are looking for something that "just works".

I get what you mean, but I still think distros like Mint offer a very user-friendly experience without requiring too much configuration. In fact, for many users, Mint and similar distros 'just work' out of the box without the need for deep system tweaks. The main appeal of immutable distros is really about protecting the system from accidental damage, especially for beginners who might inadvertently mess up their setup. With immutable systems, the goal is to provide a more 'locked down' environment where things are more resistant to user error, but that’s not necessarily the best solution for everyone. For those who want an easy-to-use Linux experience with flexibility, distros like Mint are still a great option.

 

[Melcar]

That's why I said for normies. Most people complaining about their Windows don't want to muck around with Linux configurations and shit. They are looking for something that "just works".

I get what you mean, but I still think distros like Mint offer a very user-friendly experience without requiring too much configuration. In fact, for many users, Mint and similar distros 'just work' out of the box without the need for deep system tweaks. The main appeal of immutable distros is really about protecting the system from accidental damage, especially for beginners who might inadvertently mess up their setup. With immutable systems, the goal is to provide a more 'locked down' environment where things are more resistant to user error, but that’s not necessarily the best solution for everyone. For those who want an easy-to-use Linux experience with flexibility, distros like Mint are still a great option.

I know. Personally I hate immutability and would do everything possible for the traditional way. However, many distros are moving that way (not just the big corporate ones). Lots of users are lapping it up too, as if it were the best shit ever. Not to mention developers and other software providers. Hopefully all the annoying normie and "year of the Linux desktop" users leave for immutable distros and leave us old users alone to enjoy the old shit.

 

[anvi]

Why are people not moving to 10?

 

[Necrensha]

Why are people not moving to 10?

>Turn on computer
>Go to bathroom
>Comeback to find that it has magically transformed into 11 on it's own

 

[Avonaeon]

Why are people not moving to 10?

It'll be a short stop. Support for 10 is stopping October 2025.

 

[Shog-goth]

Why are people not moving to 10?

The reason (at least for me) is that from Windows 7 to 10 (and especially with 11), the transition from an operating system to a (poorly) disguised malware/spyware has finally been completed. M$ has made it clear what it means by "user agency"; essentially, the freedom to do what they think is best for us. They’re building a walled garden where they control everything. The fact that you can basically get official licenses for these latest versions of Windows almost for free brings to mind the saying, "if something is free, you’re the product." M$ approach makes Windows highly accessible, but the trade-off is often more data collection and tighter integration with their ecosystem, which ultimately supports their business model.

 

[Ol' Willy]

The reason (at least for me) is that from Windows 7 to 10 (and especially with 11), the transition from an operating system to a (poorly) disguised malware/spyware has finally been completed. M$ has made it clear what it means by "user agency"; essentially, the freedom to do what they think is best for us. They’re building a walled garden where they control everything. The fact that you can basically get official licenses for these latest versions of Windows almost for free brings to mind the saying, "if something is free, you’re the product." M$ approach makes Windows highly accessible, but the trade-off is often more data collection and tighter integration with their ecosystem, which ultimately supports their business model.

This is the most poseur reason to discard it

As such features could be disabled manually, disabled through dedicated programs or you can download already stripped win10 distro

Like

https://beebom.com/what-is-tiny10-lightweight-windows-10-how-to-install/

 

[Melcar]

Oh no, muh data.
As if Google and all those other fuckers don't already have everything on you. Probably know more than what you remember about yourself.

 

[Shog-goth]

This is the most poseur reason to discard it

As such features could be disabled manually, disabled through dedicated programs or you can download already stripped win10 distro

Like

https://beebom.com/what-is-tiny10-lightweight-windows-10-how-to-install/

Oh no, muh data.
As if Google and all those other fuckers don't already have everything on you. Probably know more than what you remember about yourself.

I’m a programmer and network administrator, so I know how to "streamline" Windows (at least version 10), but the reality is that Windows 11 is now the present, and many functions are complex to disable, plus they often get re-enabled behind the scenes through non-deferrable updates. As for Google, the difference is that on my PC I want and can decide what to use and what not to use, and I’m not forced to use their products since I have alternatives, just like I do with Linux. But this is a bit academic as all of this information is easily available online, and personally I’m not a zealot looking to recruit followers for a so-called 'Linux cult' (which I don’t follow). If you’re happy with Windows, good for you; it’s not my intention to convince you otherwise, and honestly I don’t care at all. As I said, I’m simply offering what I believe could be a viable option for those who don’t want to upgrade to Windows 10/11 from 7/8 and don’t fall into the special categories I mentioned in my initial response. Ultimately, everyone should make their own choice. As for me (and I emphasize me), I wouldn’t go back even if Microsoft paid me - let alone spend money on their products.

 

[OSK]

Implementing anti-cheat directly at the kernel level would be almost impossible for game developers, because the kernel is maintained by the community with strict standards for transparency, security, and user control. Any kernel-level code would need to be reviewed and approved by official maintainers, who are unlikely to accept invasive, closed-source anti-cheat mechanisms due to privacy and security concerns.

That can be worked around. The ultimate issue is that the Linux kernel is open source and anyone can make changes to it making it impossible to detect cheats. You can literally update the kernel to feed the anti-cheat fake information it can't verify. Here's a good article detailing many of the obstacles of anti-cheat on Linux: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/...ifficulty-of-adapting-fortnites-eac-to-linux/

The ideal solution would be to kill off client-side anti-cheats entirely and move everything to the server, but that has it's own suite of problems.

 

[Tehdagah]

Imagine still using Windows 7.

 

[PsihoKekec]

I would still use XP if it was supported.