Tag Archives: operating system
PS4 and Arch running native Linux games on the console using older firmware
Recently, there is has been some talk about a YouTube #video #released showing Steam’s Linux client #running on a PS4.
This video shows creator OsirisX browsing the Steam library before launching into Bastion, running at full-speed.
Other Linux games are said to work well, but not with their maximum settings. Plus the video’s description outlines the process was made possible by Arch Linux, libraries from fail0evrflow, and a console running the now much older firmware version 1.76.
The whole concept of running Linux on a PlayStation is nothing new. Originally when the Playstations 3 released there was official supported the installation of the open-source operating system, but this functionality was later removed, outlining that there were concerns of piracy taking place on the console. And lets face it, a Linux machine that can console disc’s would be a given to anyone interested in making “back-ups” of their games.
However, the difference with the PS4 console is that it is powered by an x86 processor, which was typically standard in most desktop PCs. And thanks to the explosion in the amount of games available for Linux, this makes for a relatively cost-effective PC to play games on.
But the practice of using a PS4 to install and run Linux games is limited, due to system requirements for most modern titles, plus the use of an older version of the PS4’s operating system. And as a safeguard, Sony does not make it easy for users to roll-back their firmware, given how this could reintroduce security exploits that have already been patched.
Either way, it is interesting to see how functional the PS4 can be, let alone how veratile Linux is now that we have over 2100 titles available and climbing.
Now coming to Linux – Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is coming to a new system — operating system, that is. 2K has #confirmed, following leaks from Take-Two Interactive financial report, that Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will be playable on Linux this fall (October 14, 2014). Sorry PS4 and Xbox One owners.
Unfortunately, that’s about all Linux us users have to get excited about as Gearbox CEO Randy #Pitchford said it was unlikely that they would port Borderlands 2 to Linux.
As some have already deduced, the game is likely being ported to Linux to prepare for the Steam Operating System, but it’s still definitely understandable why next-gen gamers would be upset with the announcement. Back when the game was announced for Xbox 360 and PS3, Pitchford explained that it would not be brought to current-gen systems (Xbox One and PS4) because of user installed base. Pitchford reasoned that because most played Borderlands and Borderlands 2 on Xbox 360 and PS3, The Pre-Sequel would be better suited for those systems.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, set between Borderlands 1 and 2, starts when Handsome Jack crashes the Hyperion space station into the moon. Players work for Handsome Jack (Borderlands 2’s big bad), getting the chance to watch his fall from grace.
“It’s more about the fact that we know that the biggest customer for [Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel] is a person who loves Borderlands, and 100% of those customers are on the platform that we’re supporting,” Pitchford said at the time. With Borderlands 2 having moved well over eight million copies across Xbox 360 and PS3, he pointed out “there’s more people that bought Borderlands 2 than there are installed units of Xbox Ones and PlayStation 4s. Meanwhile, there’s 150 million installed PlayStation 3s and Xbox 360s.”
Thinkingly optimistically, he did say that it wouldn’t be “impossible” to bring The Pre-Sequel to Xbox One and PS4, but did say “it does take time and people.” I guess not as much as it takes to bring it to Linux though.
While Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is headed to Linux, it seems unlikely we will see Linux ports for Borderlands 1 and 2.
Reblogged from: gamezone.com
A Linux distro for gamers – SparkyLinux 3.4 GameOve
Historically, Linux and #gaming were like oil and water — it did not mix. For the most part, this was just accepted as a fact of life. Quite frankly, this was OK as users were more interested in maintaining their box and chatting with other Linux users anyway. However, as time went by, jealousy of DOS, and then ultimately Windows, definitely grew as more and more amazing games were released for Microsoft’s operating system. Even Linus Torvalds himself dual-booted Linux and DOS to play Prince of Persia.
Gaming is no longer an optional aspect of an operating system — it is now a necessity. Luckily, Linux has been making huge strides in this regard, particularly thanks to Steam. Today, SparkyLinux 3.4 “Game Over” becomes available and it is very intriguing — a Linux-based desktop operating system with a focus on gaming.
The following gaming features are touted:
- Access to games compiled for Linux platform
- Access to “popular” and “modern” games via Steam and Desura platforms
- Access to many games created for MS Windows platform via Wine and PlayOnLinux
- Access to “old” games created for discontinued machines and systems via emulators
The following emulators are available:
- DeSmuME — emulator for Nintendo DS games
- DOSBox — DOS system emulator
- MAME — arcade games emulator + GUI front-end GNOME Video Arcade
- NEStopia — Nintendo Entertainment System emulator
- PCSX-Reloaded — Sony PlayStation emulator
- Stella — Atari 2600 emulator
- Visual Boy Advance — Gameboy, Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Color emulator
- Yabause — Sega Saturn emulator
- ZSNES — emulator of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System
As you can see, gaming is definitely the focus of the distro. While you can manually add all of these things to pretty much any distro of your choice, it is appreciated to have everything collected for the user. This distro would serve particularly well in a living room for playing games or consuming media. This would be the dream Linux distribution for a child’s PC.
Do no’t be confused though, this distro is not just play — it is a full-fledged operating system that can serve for office work web browsing or anything else you want to do. It even has the very modern 3.14 kernel. Plus, it utilizes the lightweight LXDE environment to minimize system requirements.
Download it here.
Reblogged from: betanews.com
First Batch of Unreal Engine 4 Demos for Linux
There is no questioning the power of Unreal Engine 4, but Linux users so far had nothing #official to test this awesome engine.
However, the wait is finally over, as Epic’s Unreal Engine 4 has officially received its first batch of demos for the users of Linux.
The demos introduced to the operating system include the Elemental Demo, Effects Cave Demo, Realistic Rendering Demo, Reflections Subway Demo, Mobile Temple Demo, Sci-Fi Hallway Demo, Stylized Demo and Blueprint Examples Demo.
The demos look absolutely jaw-dropping and it is great to see that Epic Games has taken into consideration the operating system of Linux, which is now being used by a large community.
In addition to demos, Epic has also made available few games – Swing Ninja, Tappy Chicken and Card Game.
Although these are just small games, but they show the quality and power of Unreal Engine 4, as every single title is showcasing amazing effects and visuals, which are just awesome to look at.
Moreover, Epic Games is looking to create the content natively in the Linux operating system in distant future.
However, do note that the samples provided will only work on x86_64 installations because it is the only architecture that is supported by Unreal Engine 4 on Linux thus far.
Reblogged from: Linux_Demos
How to build your own Steam Machine and install SteamOS on your computer
Valve, the #gaming company behind the hit series Half-Life, Team Fortress 2, Left4Dead, and Portal, is looking to change the industry once again. With more than 75 million users and a market share estimated at around 75 percent, the company’s #Steam digital distribution platform has already changed the way computer owners purchase and play games.
Unsatisfied with the way the game console market has shifted in recent years, Valve in 2013 announced a new strategy for invading the living room. The company created SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed for playing video games.
SteamOS computers, also known as Steam Machines, from manufacturers like Alienware, Falcon Northwest, and Origin PC, among many others, are slated to launch later this year, but you don’t have to wait to get your hands on Valve’s new operating system.
Here’s how you can transform your current computer into a Steam Machine:
Hardware requirements
Most mid- to high-end computers should be able to run SteamOS with no problem. You will need either a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and a hard drive with at least 500GB of storage. While Valve recommends an Nvidia graphics card (they are optimized to work better with SteamOS), the latest beta added support for both AMD and Intel graphics. Additionally, your system must include Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot support, which most modern (past three or four years) motherboards do.
In addition to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, you will also need a flash drive with at least 4GB of space, an Ethernet connection, and a USB game controller — I’m using a wired Xbox 360 controller.
For information about building your own computer, including an in-depth description of the parts you will need and a step-by-step build process, be sure to check out CNET’s three-part do-it-yourself computer guide.
Installation
SteamOS is still in beta and parts of the operating system are not 100 percent functional. Please be aware that the operating system has some bugs that still must be worked out. Installing SteamOS will also erase your entire hard drive, so it is imperative that you back up any important data to external drive.
There are two methods for installing SteamOS; this guide will cover them both.
Default installation
The default installation process is the easiest way to install SteamOS. The process is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t be too much of a hassle for the average user. Note that this method requires at least a 1TB hard drive. To install SteamOS using the default method, follow these steps:
1. Download the official SteamOS file from Valve’s Web site.
The files must be on the root of your USB flash drive.
3. After the download has finished, unzip and extract all of the files to the USB drive. Make sure they are on the root of the drive, meaning that they aren’t stored in a folder.
4. Power down your computer and boot to the USB drive. This can be done from the BIOS boot menu, which can be accessed by holding either the DEL, F8, F10, F11, or F12 keys as the computer is powering on (depending on your system). The selection you are looking for will read something along the lines of “UEFI: USB Brand Name PMAP.”
5. Next, select the “Restore Entire Disk” option from the boot menu.
6. Once installation is complete, press Enter to shut down the machine.
7. Remove the USB drive and power on your computer. You should now running SteamOS.
Custom installation
While the default method is the easiest way to install SteamOS, some people have reported running into problems. If that’s the case, you should try the custom installation method. The process is slightly more complicated than the first, but it also gives advanced users the power to tweak certain settings. Follow these steps to install SteamOS using the custom installation method:
1. Download the official custom-install SteamOS file from Valve’s Web site.
2. Connect your USB drive to your computer and format it. On Windows, right-click the drive, select format, and choose FAT32. On OS X, enter the Utilities folder in your Applications list, click on Disk Utility, select Erase, and choose MS-DOS (FAT).
3. Unzip the file and extract its content to the root of your flash drive.
4. Power down your computer and boot to the USB drive. This can be done from the BIOS boot menu, which can be accessed by tapping either the DEL, F8, F10, F11, or F12 keys once the computer is powering on (depending on your system). The selection you are looking for will read, “UEFI: USB Brand Name PMAP.”
5. Select the “Automated install” option from the menu, but remember this will erase your entire hard drive. The installer will automatically partition the drive and install the new operating system.
6. After installation is complete, remove the USB drive, hit the “Continue” button, and your system will reboot. If you are having trouble booting into SteamOS, enter the BIOS settings and make sure the computer is booting from the hard drive that has the operating system installed.
7. Once the system reboots, select the option that reads, “SteamOS GNU/Linux, with Linux 3.10-3-amd64.”
8. Change the pull-down to the “GNOME” option and enter “steam” for the username and password.
9. Click on the Activities button in the top left corner of the screen, select the Applications tab, open the Terminal application, type in “steam,” hit Enter, and accept the the terms of use agreement.
10. Click on the Steam button in the top right corner of the screen and log out of your session. Log back into the GNOME desktop, but this time with the username and password “desktop.”
11. Type “~/post_logon.sh” in the Terminal window, hit Enter, and enter the password when prompted to do so — don’t panic if the numbers don’t appear when you type them out. Just type “desktop” and hit Enter.
12. The system will now reboot. When prompted to do so hit the “y” key, followed by Enter.
13. Now when you reboot your system you should be running SteamOS. Simply log in to an existing account or create a new one.
Limitations
Why would you want to download SteamOS? Good question. In fact, there is no real reason for you to run the operating system at all. It’s severely limited and most Steam games don’t even support it, yet.
Out of the 102 games I own on the platform, only 41 currently support SteamOS, a majority of which are either games from Valve — Portal, Left for Dead, Half-Life — or from smaller, independent developers. To make matters worse, only 16 games out of the 41 I own that support SteamOS have full or partial support for game controllers.
Conclusion
I must admit, it’s cool to play some of these games with a controller, although this can also be done via Steam’s Big Picture mode. One of the games I tested was Left 4 Dead 2, which included full support for game controllers, and it was relatively smooth. At first, performance on SteamOS appeared to be on par with that of Windows. As I continued to play, however, the game completely froze and I was forced to quit. I also experienced freezing and low frame rates playing Brutal Legend and Dungeon Defenders, two games that aren’t necessarily high-end.
Despite the beta tag, I found the actual operating system to be fairly stable. While gameplay performance, which appears to vary by game, has room for improvement, the interface of SteamOS was quite fluid. Due to the limited selection of games, however, there isn’t much you can do with it yet. I suspect the only reason people would be interested in running SteamOS is to get a sneak peek at the software on the upcoming Steam Machine; other than that you’re better off gaming on Windows or even OS X.
Reblogged from: cnet.com, Story by Dan Graziano
