Choice of Linux...which one?

I've recently been told of a Linux OS that is good for gamers, or people that just want an OS that uses minimal system resources, but I can't remember which Linux it was--as there are so many! I remember something called Flux Box, but I understand that you run that on Linux, not as an OS. Also that you can run multiple versions of Direct X--like running DX9 and DX10--on the same machine. Can this be done, and which Linux would be the best one for max performance?

 

On a point by point basis:

1. No such beast for gamers, compared to Windows.
2. There are many minimal distributions out there. See http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Minimal_Linux_distros
3. DirectX cannot be run in Linux, but possibly emulated via WINE, or the paid version, Cedega. http://www.transgaming.com/
4. Pretty much any distro can be tweaked for max performance, but if you are looking for a replacement for gaming, you are looking in the wrong direction. Zealots will tell you otherwise, of course.

 

Ubuntu 8.04

AWESOME!

 

Hmmm...Ubuntu is nice but can be a little buggy, esp. soon after a new release.

PCLOS (PCLinux OS) with the KDE desktop runs really well and is simple to use.

Fluxbox is a lightweight Desktop Manager.

 

Hi,
I find Ubuntu to be very stable. Every operating system has bugs. Ubuntu has much better support and forum help than PcLinuxOS2007. It is also updated more frequently.

 

I am using Ubuntu 8.04
When I find a bug and report it there is usually an update sent that night.
8.04 is the best and simplest to date, IMHO

 

Hi candive,
Yes I agree.
Ubuntu are amazing.

 

Gaming: The only "gaming Linux", that I've heard of is called Sabayon. And that is more self-proclaimed than it is anything. Not much real gaming on Linux yet.

Flux Box is a windows manager, a very light one. There are many of these. Enlightenment is another one.

Max performance? For what exactly? Best for the average user will probably be Ubuntu. Tons of software, and very configurable.

 

i use fedora

going to test fedora 9 soon

 

:-D
Hey! There are some GREAT games that COME with Sabayon. Let alone what a user might add!










Until you turn a compositor on, and it breaks them all.....

 

I know a man in the LA area who will boot a live ubuntu 7.10 CD and install Wine. He then runs WOW from his USB drive and gets framerates that amaze those around him. He is averaging 15-20 CD's to handout each time he does this.....

 

roflmao

 

Done it on several installs now Not sure how to fix them when I do..... yet.

 

BoredOutOfMyMind,
What is "WOW"

 

World of Warcraft.

If you have the bandwidth, you can download a bunch of different distros and see what works for you.

.

 

I just installed ubuntu 8.04 and it does very well so far first ever linux user but I havent crashed it (YET) but I'm working on it

 

WOW, I can't believe I missed that.

 

As a new user you may want to stick with "Supported applications" when you download.

 

Check out Linux Mint also. It is Ubuntu based but adds some file support and Amarok.

 

I want to be able to take the most strain off the hardware as possible to use for software and such.