Should I switch from windows 8.1 to a Linux-based OS?

CombustibleLemons · Feb 20, 2015

Ever since I built my PC, I have been running windows 8.1 on it, I build the PC primarily (and almost entirely) for gaming, so I'd probably have to use Wine. But should I switch, why and how?

McHenryB · Feb 20, 2015

You shouldn't switch.

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

It completely depends on what you want - take a look at this article as it covers many features of both OS's and is a relatively balanced argument: http://techluminati.com/operating-systems/linux-vs-windows/

pcgaming98 · Feb 20, 2015

Linux is a more technical OS. Not user friendly. The majority of everyday tasks in Linux require whacky, long winded terminal commands. Things Windows can do with the click of a button.

Elemential · Feb 20, 2015

Switch to linux if you like programming etc
But if you just want to test the features of a linux-based OS then install it to a USB and boot it from their

USAFRet · Feb 20, 2015

For a 100% gaming PC, no.
Not all games run under WINE. Fewer still run under Linux without WINE.

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

pcgaming98 :

Quite to the contrary - IMHO Linux is pretty easy to master and once you've done that, everything can be achieved through either the GUI like in Windows or through the command line like you describe. To just use it, something like Ubuntu is a good starting point and you can upgrade to something else later on.

geofelt · Feb 20, 2015

Do you have some sort of issue with 8.1?
For gaming, the os is largely irrelevant, with the edge actually going to 8.1 in some cases.

FWIW, I expect a big push at the end of the year to get everyone on windows 10 with a free upgrade.

If you hate the 8.1 looks and want a windows 7 look, install a free app called "windows classic shell"

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

USAFRet :

Good point - WINE simulates an XP environment and currently only uses win32.

USAFRet · Feb 20, 2015

PizzaTheHutt :

pcgaming98 :

Quite to the contrary - IMHO Linux is pretty easy to master and once you've done that, everything can be achieved through either the GUI like in Windows or through the command line like you describe. To just use it, something like Ubuntu is a good starting point and you can upgrade to something else later on.

For a 100% gaming machine, why Linux?

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

USAFRet :

For me, I'd just say because it's free and open source. Don't get me wrong - I have windows on my primary gaming machine but I use linux on various other PC's that I have around the house

boosted1g · Feb 20, 2015

Linux has gotten much more user friendly then back in the days when you had to manually compile everything. You could do everyday tasks just fine with no knowledge of how to even open a command terminal, let alone commands to use it.

Now to get games and windows applications to work it will require a lot of work and it will still be unstable at best or down right not work with other things.

For a programing or special purpose machine Linux is great, for a gaming PC your options are windows or windows.

McHenryB · Feb 20, 2015

From some of the answers here I wonder whether people read the OP. it's a gaming only machine - there is absolutely no reason to spoil it.

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

McHenryB :

True, I guess everyone is trying to give OP the information for a balanced decision though

McHenryB · Feb 20, 2015

Information for a balanced decision should point out that most games will underperform or not work at all on Linux. If you have proof that they would work better, that would be relevant. Failing that, it can only result in a reduced gaming experience. Back to my original answer....

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

McHenryB :

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2012/08/02/valve-linux-performance/1
http://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/2hex11/csgo_linux_vs_wine_vs_windows_7_performance/

dmroeder · Feb 20, 2015

pcgaming98 :

I disagree. Although sometimes fixing things can take a bit of work, lots of things are easier in Linux. For example I find adding network printers in Linux easier. I have zero trouble with drivers with my hardware. Of course when you do run into something, there can be a lot of work solving the problem, but this is sometimes the same in Windows. Have you ever had to edit the registry to fix a problem in Windows? Or have you ever had to fix a blue screen? Not always easy.

Elemential :

I disagree with this too. My wife uses it, my 4 and 6 year old kids use it, my ~60 year old parents use it. They don't program or do anything remotely close to programming. Of course it is good for programming, but Windows can be too.

Obviously Linux is not for everyone, but I think it can be for more people than is often stated. Comments like this are true in some cases but not all. In my experience these are the exceptions not the rule.

For the OP, Windows is most likely the solution. Unless you like to play a bunch of indy games and the Valve titles, you are most likely not going to be happy with Linux and Wine. Windows does gaming very well. And graphics driver are typically better in Windows.

CombustibleLemons · Feb 20, 2015

I just heard it was faster, and the ability to be free of virus worry would be nice, I chose an answer (slightly by accident, as it was too soon) so some more feedback would still help, cheers.

USAFRet · Feb 20, 2015

CombustibleLemons :

'Faster' ? Not necessarily.
Fewer viruses? Probably.

But you have to look at actual use. Windows is far better suited to games than Linux. Unless the only games you want to run also run in Linux.

One is not necessarily 'better' than the other. All depends on your use. And for a 100% gaming PC, Windows is probably it.

PizzaTheHutt · Feb 20, 2015

I agree with USAFRet - it depends on what you are doing.

At the end of the day, I would just stick with Windows in this case.

skittle · Feb 20, 2015

You can always dual boot with Linux if you are interested. Keep windows around for gaming purposes.

johnw4165 · Feb 20, 2015

I would suggest sticking with Windows if you are gaming very frequently.

Windows 8.1 can feel heavy at times so be sure to keep only vital programs running to allow maximum resources to be used by your video game.

ccampy · Feb 20, 2015

Unless you visit and downloaded stuff from dodgey sight's virus arnt an issue you really need to worry about on windows

geofelt · Feb 20, 2015

@CombustibleLemons:
If you wish, I will unselect best answer for you.

I doubt that Linux is any more virus resistant than windows.
Most viruses and malware come through social engineering and malicious web links.

Since you already are running with windows 8.1, it will cost you time and money to change.
Spend that budget on something else.
A SSD perhaps?

Gary Price · Mar 7, 2015

I would not use wine or dual boot your two operating systems. Linux is a much simpler program compared to windows, and the proof of that will be noticed almost immediately after the first time you boot into it. It is more of a closed operating system so virus attacks are rare but not impossible. (Same with Mac users) Windows is not without fault as is any OS, but we have to make each system work for us. By installing VMWARE on your windows or Linux system you can run both systems concurrent without any hickups. You can play games on windows and surf the Web on Linux , but not at the same time unless your just that good.

Should I switch from windows 8.1 to a Linux-based OS?

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