this post was submitted on 09 Aug 2023
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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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I used linux in the past, both privately and work-related, but the last time was over 10 years ago, so I'm a bit out of touch. I am in need of a new PC, but it'll be a good year before I have the funds, so for now I am making due with an i5 7500 and a gtx 1660. I do have 32 GB so there's that. I finally feel confident enough to make the permanent switch to linux from windows as all of the programs I use are either available on linux or have a good/better equivalent. The only thing I fear will hold me back is games. I know Steam has Proton now which will run most games, but how does it compare? The games I play most are Skyrim (heavily modded) , RDR2, Witcher 3, Transport fever, Civilization, Crusader kings 3 and Cities Skylines (uninstalled atm waiting for 2). I'm on the fence to either wait until I can afford a new PC and dual boot or make the switch now and deal with a few gaming problems. Thing is, what kind of problems may I expect? Anyone able and knowledgeable to give me some advice?

EDIT: Wow, those are a lot of replies; thank you everyone! You really helped me. I will make the switch sooner rather than later.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

What does supporting Vulkan entail?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Steam Proton (which does the heavy lifting of running windows games on linux) includes DXVK/D9VK/VK3D3 which translates Windows DirectX games (don't work on Linux) into Vulkan (which works on Linux)

not having Vulkan will result in falling back on the way older DirectX -> OpenGL translation which not many actually care about nowadays and hasn't been opti.ized to run well in years (awful performance)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

How do I know if my PC supports Vulkan?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

What graphics card do you have? I think you'd have to have a really old card for it to not support Vulkan. Or perhaps integrated graphics might not support it very well, I'm not too knowledgeable on integrated graphics currently.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

depends on how old your graphics chip is
typically anything newer than 10 year old will support some level of Vulkan

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

My msi GF63 thin laptop doesn't...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Vulkan drivers for your gfx card