Linux n00b

[PoliticallyCorrect]

Hi there,

I'm currently running a live session of Ubuntu Linux 7.04 and I'm impressed with the operating system.

I would like to know if it's possible to run Counter-Strike Source on it with the same or similar performance to that of Windows XP.

I have downloaded Wine, but i really don't know what i am doing.

...also, is it possible to use my Creative X-Fi (and iTunes) on ubuntu with the same sound quality as on windows xp (if not better).

Thanks for any help

-Jonathan

 

[gumbald]

You'll struggle with running Wine properly on the LiveCD...

Not sure about the X-Fi, it should be fine. And there's no iTunes. Avoid thinking of Wine all the time and embrace the alternatives

 

[NickK]

Hmm Creative aren't really Linux bods.

I have a XiFi Music but the older x86_64 version 6.06 dapper doesn't have any drivers for it.

 

[Rich43]

http://opensource.creative.com/

They plan to make some closed source drivers... the X-Fi obviously has some features that they dont want copied by their competitors which is probably why they are not releasing under open source. Similar situation with Nvidia cards.

 

[avrc]

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NTc4NA

If you were hoping to use a Creative X-Fi series sound card under Linux in the near future, think again. Last June we told you that Creative was planning on Q2'2007 for delivering a binary blob to support the X-Fi series along with delivering full support for ALSA and OpenAL v1.1 with EAX effects. Creative has now updated their open-source page saying that their closed-source X-Fi Linux driver will not even be in a public beta until the end of third quarter or fourth quarter this year. With the beta not even being available until the end of the year, we would be very surprised if Creative Labs will even deliver a stable X-Fi driver this year at all. What's the reason for this delay? It's due to Microsoft's Vista: "It has taken more resources than expect[ed] to redesign our software and drivers for Vista." Keep in mind that the driver they will be delivering to Linux X-Fi owners isn't even open-source.

 

[squiffy]

Apparently M-Audio are well supported, which is good as the HTPC has Revo 5.1. There's a thread on the Ubuntu forum, although no info if the digital output works.

Want to move the Linux but driver install has to be made easier.

 

[avrc]

You rarely have to install drivers, the only one I have installed was for my Laserjet printer and even then I didn't really have to install it, just select it from a list.

I believe all Creative cards except X-Fi are supported. I use an Audigy 2 ZS and my other half uses an SB Live! 5:1.

 

[Clark Nova]

You won't get a recent version of iTunes running in Linux smoothly I don't think. Try Amarok, I really prefer it now I've got used to using it. It's a KDE app so it won't fit in with the GTK styles of Gnome so well but it's worth it, it's the best music player on any platform as fas as I'm concerned.

 

[saffyre]

Agreed amarok is superb.