Valve official statement: the commitment to Linux is maintained and Steam support in Ubuntu also

Valve

The mess was important and one of the most well-known developers of Valve posted a personal message warning that Steam would stop being officially supported in Ubuntu, obtaining as a response from the developers of Ubuntu where I said ... that ended up becoming a official statement in which they retracted their plans and promising 32-bit support at least for the next two versions of the system.

Now, the same developer of Valve that launched the threat folds in the course of the events and, this time officially, publishes a statement clarifying the position of Valve regarding Steam support in Linux and more specifically in Ubuntu, as well as to the importance of the 32-bit for the gaming platform.

As we explained, "support with 32-bit libraries is required not only for the Steam client, but also for the thousands of games available on Steam that only support 32-bit environments", he says, responding in step to a common criticism of Steam: "Enabling the Steam client to run in pure 64-bit environments, even if feasible, would leave most of the Steam catalog inaccessible to such users without an additional compatibility layer" .

"Steam already includes many of the dependencies needed by 32-bit games, but it is currently based on the fact that some key components are available in the operating system: a glibc ELF, Mesa and NVIDIA graphics driver libraries, to name a few» Add. "We do not think it's a particularly positive move for Steam and the game-oriented users who rely on this support."

Steam on Ubuntu

Recognizes that "an important part of our Linux users are in the latest version of Ubuntu and are updated as new versions are available", so "require such a fundamental change in the environment Steam execution in that This period of time would have been very risky for these users, and it probably would not have resulted in a perfect experience. "

However, in Ubuntu they have changed their minds and "although we are still not particularly enthusiastic about the elimination of any existing functionality, a change of this type is extremely welcome and will allow us to continue working to achieve improvements in the Steam distribution model without causing new headaches for users, "he says, so that" it seems likely that we can continue with the official support of Steam in Ubuntu ".

But there is life beyond Ubuntu, as it also recognizes: "There are several distributions on the market today that offer an excellent desktop experience for games such as Arch Linux, Manjaro, Pop! _OS, Fedora and many others. We will work closer with many more maintainers in the future ". We will have to see in what concrete. By the way, no mention of SteamOS, which is still in development.

In conclusion, it reaffirms Valve and Steam's commitment to Linux games: "We remain committed to supporting Linux as a gaming platform, and we continue to drive numerous character development and driver development efforts that we hope will help improve the gaming experience and desk in all distributions «. Proof of this is the news that we gave you yesterday.

And colorin colorado this story is over? For the moment, yes, although we will definitely read about it again, because there is no definitive solution. With so many parties involved, however, there should be no greater problem. If the abandonment of 32-bit support in Ubuntu and the support of Steam in Ubuntu materialized, the stick would have been taken by the Linux desktop in general and the Linux gamers in particular ..., because Ubuntu without Steam resists, but Steam without Ubuntu ...

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Linux Mint vs Windows 10, what is faster in everyday office tasks?

While it is common to see performance comparisons between Linux and Windows based on meticulous technical tests, it is not so much done in the form of infographics, also based on such ordinary actions as starting the computer, applications, edit documents or graphics. This is what this Linux Mint vs Windows 10 brings.

This is an infographic that has gone viral in recent days, and through simple tests puts face to face Linux Mint 19.1 with Windows 10: which is faster in everyday office tasks in a modest machine? A small Australian company has illustrated its research in this regard.

"We work together in a small IT services team called DXM Tech Support, keeping networks, servers and workstations running for small businesses in Melbourne," they explain on their information page.

As far as the infographic is concerned, they talk about a "comparison of the daily tasks of small businesses between Linux Mint 19.1 Cinnamon and Windows 10 1903 on a HP 245 G6 laptop with dual boot". It does not stop being a mere curiosity, but there goes:

Linux Mint vs Windows 10

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Zorin OS 15, Linux distribution is based on Ubuntu and integrated with Android ideal for Windows 10 and MacOS users

In a list of Linux distributions perfect for users with little experience in the free operating system par excellence could not miss Zorin OS. A different project, very careful and decided that advocates attracting an audience perhaps not too seduced by the usual proposals in the field GNU / Linux.

A distro known for offering personalization options that bring it closer to Windows 10 and macOS that now reaches one of its most outstanding evolutions: Zorin OS 15. A version based on Ubuntu 18.04.2 LTS, the Linux kernel 4.18, an adaptation of the environment desktop GNOME 3.30 and, as one of the main novelties, Zorin Connect, a solution to integrate the system into Android using an application based on GSConnect and KDE Connect.

What's new in Zorin OS 15

"The creation of a Linux desktop operating system designed for everyone, not only for engineers and advanced users, has always been the mission of Zorin OS," they say when presenting their new version. And commitment, of course, they do not lack.

To conceive Zorin OS 15 its creators claim to have amplified the efforts of the decade of existence of the distribution taking them to the next level. They say that every detail of the user experience has been re-examined to be perfected in this new version. From the process of installing the applications to how it interacts with the devices that surround us, including how we work in this system.

The result of this process is, they say, "a desktop experience that combines the most powerful desktop technology with the easiest-to-use design."

Zorin OS 15 is fixed both in Windows 10 and in macOS in terms of its interface

Zorin OS 15 has a new desktop theme, clearer, simpler and brighter, which shows a reduction in the visual load of the interface so that the only thing that really stands out is the content that is displayed and not the controls or your container. Another focus of this new version has been the speed and say that thanks to optimizing performance at all levels of the system, after the introduction of the Linux kernel 4.18 and GNOME 3.30, it is much more fluid in both old and new computers.

Among other details, highlights the option of changing the interface to a dark mode at dusk, the desktop background also adaptable to the time of day, a reduction in brightness at night, the conception of the entity for use in touchscreen equipment , the redesign of applications or the do not disturb mode. And, of course, the application Zorin Appearance that in the Ultimate edition of Zorin OS, paid, allows with a few clicks to change the appearance of the interfaces to look like Windows 10 or macOS.

Zorin Connect is an Android application that narrows the relationship between mobile devices and computers with Zorin OS 15

Also highlights Zorin Connect, the integration with Android. Through this application, the relationship between the team with Zorin OS and our Android device is narrowed by synchronizing notifications, offering access to the photo gallery of the terminal, sharing files between devices or controlling the playback of multimedia content on the computer from the phone.

Zorin OS 15 can be found free of charge in the Core, Lite or Education versions. The superior version, the Ultimate, which includes certain applications, more than twenty games and some other benefits, costs $ 39.

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Commands for Arch Linux that all users should know

Although I often use the console, I confess that I am not very good at memorizing commands, I usually use a "chop" where I have several commands that I usually need and that in some cases I do not remember. This is perhaps not the best way to have the commands we need at hand, but it is the one that I use and it serves me.

Now that I'm enjoying Manjaro KDE (which is a distro based on Arch Linux), I found it interesting to compile the commands that are most used in Arch Linux and others that are not used much but have interesting utilities.

It is worth noting that the best way to know the commands for Arch Linux is the distro Wiki itself, where there is very complete and adequate information for each command. This compilation, is not more than a quick reference guide, to deepen in each command (its use, utility, syntax, among others) we strongly recommend going to the Arch Linux Wiki.

Pacman and Yaourt: the 2 essential commands for Arch Linux

Pacman and Yaourt make Arch Linux one of the best distros that exist today, through them we can enjoy thousands of packages and programs that are available to be installed with these commands. Similarly, both tools work in a very similar way so learning to use it is extremely simple.

Pacman is the default package manager of Arch Linux, meanwhile Yaourt is a wrapper that gives us access to the AUR community repository, where we can get one of the largest catalog of compiled packages that exists today.

The basic commands of Pacman and Yaourt that we must know are the following, we will group it by what they do, we can observe the similarity of the commands, likewise, highlighting that pacman is executed with sudo and for yaourt it is not necessary.

sudo pacman -Syu // Update the system
yaourt -Syu // Update the system
yaourt -Syua // Update the system in addition to the AUR packages
sudo pacman -Sy // Synchronize the database packages
yaourt -Sy // Synchronize the database packages
sudo pacman -Syy // Force synchronization of database packages
yaourt -Syy // Force synchronization of database packages
sudo pacman -Ss package // Lets look for a package in the repositories
yaourt -Ss package // Lets look for a package in the repositories
sudo pacman - If package // Obtain information from a package that is in the repositories
yaourt - If package // Get information about a package that is in the repositories
sudo pacman -Qi package // Shows the information of an installed package
yaourt -Qi package // Shows the information of an installed package
sudo pacman -S package // Install and / or update a package
yaourt -S package // Install and / or update a package
sudo pacman -R package // Remove a package
yaourt -R package // Remove a package
sudo pacman -U / route / to / the / package // Install a local package
yaourt -U / path / to / the / package // Install a local package
sudo pacman -Scc // Clear the cache of the packages
yaourt -Scc // Clean the cache of the packages
sudo pacman -Rc package // Remove a package and its dependencies
yaourt -Rc package // Remove a package and its dependencies
sudo pacman -Rnsc package // Remove a package, its dependencies and configurations
yaourt -Rnsc package // Remove a package, its dependencies and configurations
sudo pacman -Qdt // Show orphaned packages
yaourt -Qdt // Show orphaned packages

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These are the best Linux distributions for 2019

Although Windows and MacOs are much more popular than Linux, this operating system is also widely used throughout the world. One of its great advantages over the other two is that it is based on free software, open source. That's why you can install it as many times as you want on a computer for free and customize it however you want. For the latter, there are dozens of Linux distributions - also known as distros - created by unique communities for different uses and that also have no cost.

There are distributions for desktop computers, laptops, workstations, servers, A / V editing or games. Here, we summarize the best you can find now, all designed to be used on a home computer.

The best

LINUX MINT

Linux Mint

According to the operating system's website, Linux Mint is now the leading Linux distribution, beating Ubuntu and all other distributions to become the main competition for Windows and Mac OS. When you look at the features of Linux Mint, that statement is easy to believe. This free and open source distribution is installed quickly and easily from a USB or a blank DVD, and offers full multimedia support from the start.

Linux Mint does not require too many resources, and is conservative about updates, which means there is little chance of installing a faulty or unstable update. Linux Mint further mitigates headaches for users by using an update manager and compatibility with many popular desktop environments such as Cinnamon (by far the most popular version of Linux Mint), Mate, LMDE and KDE, as well as native support for a long list of applications.

The rest

UBUNTU

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is still one of the most popular distributions of Linux and is the most used to date, even comes pre-installed on desktops and laptops manufactured by HP, Dell and Acer as an alternative to Windows. It has several "flavors" available, seven to be exact, that come with their own programs, desktop environments and features: MATE offers several important applications, such as Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, Rythmbox, Shotwell, VLC and Steam. It is based on the MATE desktop environment, which provides its own set of tools as well as an intuitive and attractive presentation. Combine this with the famous ease of use and installation of Ubuntu, and you will have a great operating system whether you are a beginner or a Linux enthusiast.

OPENSUSE

openSUSE

openSUSE is another popular distro, mainly due to the flexibility of its interface and its simple installation of files. openSUSE uses a program called YaST, which is essentially a portal through which you can manage your computer and adjust the settings to your liking. YaST facilitates the installation of a large number of well-known desktop interfaces, from KDE and LXDE to Gnome, MATE and many others. These interfaces can even be installed simultaneously through YaST, and switch between them on the fly.

YaST also makes adding third-party applications easy with fast installations with just one click. Finally, openSUSE includes a function called Tumbleweed, which updates the system and applications automatically so that your computer is always up to date. openSUSE can be downloaded for free, and there is a paid version that includes 90-day installation support.

FEDORA

Fedora

Do not let the silly name of this distro fool you. It is a flexible operating system with three separate options according to your needs. There are versions available for server, another oriented to the cloud and a third for the workstation, which offers more options for specific needs, such as games, design and even robotics, among others. Fedora mainly uses the GNOME interface, but there are versions available that use different desktop environments.

Fedora is known to have frequent updates, sometimes weeks or months apart, integrating the latest programs and functions available for Linux systems. This makes the distribution less reliable for those who test new products due to the short cycle between versions, and increases the risk of unstable constructions. However, it is ideal for those who want to be at the forefront of Linux development.

DEBIAN

Debian

Debian is one of the oldest Linux distributions, first released in 1996. Since then, it has served as a framework for many other distributions, such as Ubuntu and Mint, which have subsequently inspired many other distributions. Debian is something like the "grandfather" of the current distributions. The modern version of Debian offers versions with different integrated desktop environments, although GNOME is the main supported interface. It is an excellent option for workstations and servers. The workstation version comes with pre-installed programs such as the Photoshop alternative, GIMP, Iceweasel internet browser, LibreOffice word processor and VLC media player.

MANJARO

Manjaro

Manjaro is based on another Linux distribution called Arch, which is optimized for advanced users familiar with the Linux back-end. It focuses on ease of use for both beginners and advanced users, without eliminating all the good that makes Arch is excellent. In addition, Manjaro's features allow you to automatically detect the hardware of your system and install the appropriate software as if it were a Windows-based machine. It is backed by a large repository of software developed specifically for this distribution, and by a community that will gladly help any user. It offers three "official" flavors: the XFCE edition is fast and light, the heavier, more media-focused and visually appealing KDE, and the GNOME with a highly customizable user interface.

ANTERGOS

Antergos

The motto of this distribution is that it is always fresh and never frozen. That means you're in a "continuous release" development cycle so you're not forced to download and install new versions when they're available. This also includes all applications that come packaged with Antergos, so you are not working with obsolete software. It is another derivation of Arch Linux that aims to be powerful and at the same time friendly and elegant.

It is ready to use, so you can listen to music quickly, explore the web and more. And like Manjaro, it offers different "flavors" to choose from, each one designed for a different visual preference (GNOME, Canela, KDE, XFCE, MATE and Openbox). It is one of the "nicest" Linux-based distributions, and it is a good choice for newcomers to Linux.

SOLUS

Solus

Launched at the end of 2015, Solus has become one of the most used distributions in the last two years. You can choose between three desktop interfaces (Budgie, GNOME, MATE) and take advantage of Firefox, Thunderbird and other software that you already use on your Windows computer.

ZORIN

Zorin

Here is another Linux distribution created to replace Windows and MacOS. In fact, although it is based on Ubuntu, Zorin provides visual interfaces that mimic these operating systems, so you will not feel as if you are venturing into unfamiliar territory. The software is designed to facilitate the transition from Windows and MacOS, which, frankly, is its biggest attraction. In addition, it also provides all the benefits of Linux, including a secure environment and a high-performance computing experience.

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MinerOS GNU/Linux: An Operating System for Digital Cryptocurrency Mining

After many months without writing in this way, today I bring you a publication about my new development in the Free Software World, which combines everything I have learned so far about GNU / Linux, Internet (Webapps) and Digital Mining. Cryptocurrency:

MinerOS GNU/Linux: A 100% Operating System ready for Digital Cryptocurrency Mining

What is MinerOS GNU/Linux?

It is a GNU / Linux Distro, which is currently in development and available for download in beta (0.2) and previous donation (contribution to the project) in its beta version 0.3.

However, it is expected that the first stable version, that is, Version 1.0 (Petro) of MinerOS GNU /Linux can be used as a daily use Distro, since it brings all the Basic and Essential Software for Home and Office, in a configuration based on Ubuntu 18.04 (Modernity and High Compatibility) and MX Linux 17 based on DEBIAN (Stability, Portability and High Personalization) in a fusion of the XFCE Environment (Light and Functional) + Plasma (Beautiful and Robust), so adapts perfectly to any PC (Personal Computer) of low medium or high performance without any problem.

Version 1.0 (Petro) of MinerOS GNU / Linux will come based on Ubuntu 18.04 and will weigh 1 GB more (4.3 GB) than Version 0.3 due to the customized Plasma Environment and with more native applications, but it will consume less RAM, approximately 400MB against 640MB of Version 0.3. Starts completely up to the start session manager (lightdm) on average in 30 seconds and completely shuts down an average in 10 seconds. With its 5 Digital Mining Software and 6 Wallets installed.

The code name of the Distro MinerOS GNU/Linux Version 1.0 will be "Petro" in honor of the first Cryptocurrency or Official Cryptoactive of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. And it is expected to be launched with the official Wallet and Miner Program (Wallet) for it. Also in the folder "/ opt / apps / MinerOS / Petro" contains the White Paper of the Cryptocurrency, images and infographics on it. Attentive to its release from April 19, 2.018, or after the official release of Ubuntu 18.04.

MinerOS GNU/Linux 1.0 will bring the mining programs Minergate, CGMiner, CPUMiner, Claymore and XMR-STAK-CPU, plus the Wallets of Armory, Bolivarcoin, Exodus, Jaxx, Magi, Onixcoin and the Trezor Hardware Wallets detection add-on installed by default.

In summary, MinerOS GNU / Linux is a "Non-Privative" and "100%" Operating System ready to use at Home, Office and / or Cryptocurrency Mines. And easily convertible into a Linux Gamer compatible with Microsoft proprietary applications by installing PlayOnLinux and Steam.

To learn more about this new Distro you just have to visit the official publication in the Tic Tac Project

Then and finally, screenshots of the future version 1.0 (stable):

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