Issue 17: Go Gaming: Is Ubuntu Ready for the Game Geeks?

So you thought Ubuntu was not for gamers? New tools and trends point to a bright future for Ubuntu gaming. Whether you’re an occasional player or an expert, you’ll score with our study of the state of the game in Ubuntu Linux.

Table of Contents

• Letter from the Editor: The Melting Pot
• Table of Contents
• Who We All Are: Jono Bacon explains what’s going on at Ubuntu and how the community fits into the grand plan.
• News
• Ubuntu 13.04: We look at what’s new and cool in the latest version of Ubuntu.

Features

• Linux Games: For too long, the Linux faithful have lamented, “We can do anything except games.”
• Ubuntu as a Gaming Platform: Commercial game companies big and small, as well as various distributors, are starting to recognize Ubuntu as a viable gaming platform.
• Game Engines: New game engines give rise to hope that more and better games will appear with Linux versions soon.
• Steam, Desura, and IndieCity: The games of these major vendors will soon be available from the Ubuntu desktop.
• Games from the Software Center: The Ubuntu Software Center plays host to several popular games. We take a look at five especially interesting titles.
• Gaming with Wine: Ubuntu has made great strides in gaming, but we sometimes miss Windows-only games. Linux solves this with Wine, “Windows is not an emulator.”
• CES – Ubuntu Smartphone: Does Canonical’s smartphone initiative have a future?
• Unknown Horizons: Colonize new territories with this free and fascinating Linux game.
• OpenRelief Crowdsourcing: A new project vows to put drones to work for humanitarian relief.

Know-How

• Cuttlefish: This cool tool automates actions on your Linux computer.
• Batch Bash: A simple script is usually enough to automate a knotty task in Linux, but with some easy shell commands and a little effort, you can convert a simple batch file into a robust shell program.
• Ubuntu Tweaks: The lack of direct access to advanced settings can make Ubuntu difficult to customize – unless you have the right tools.
• Answerbuntu: Mike Basinger solves hard drive troubles, helps migrate contacts, and discusses rolling distros.
• Changing root – chroot: If are running a program that could pose a threat to your system, chroot jails offer fast protection.
• GRUB 2: GRUB 2 is much more than just a system for managing the boot process.
• mintBackup: This clever program backs up your files and lists your installed programs.
• Ubuntu Business Desktop: Think of this business remix as Ubuntu’s version of Red Hat’s enterprise systems.
• QML Toolkit Preview: The QML Toolkit lets you create apps for the new Ubuntu smartphone. We’ll help you get started setting up the QML environment.

Desktop

• Stormcloud: Get the current weather report at a glance.
• AirDroid: Load photos, videos, and music from your Android smartphone to your desktop using AirDroid and your favorite browser.
• GECAMed: Manage medical records with this free tool.
• Grisbi: This handy app can help you balance your checkbook, keep tabs on your spending, and plan your budget.

Discovery Guide

• Installing Ubuntu 13.04
• Network and Updates
• Package Management
• Multimedia
• Tips and Tricks

Sample Articles