Tonight, I'm hoping to test out this adapter in Linux. It's a two-port PS2 to PC USB adapter manufactured by the company, Hyperkin, It reportedly only works for Windows based PCs. But, if I could be shown it works for Linux, and works well, then I might put it on my so-called recommended items for Linux list (such a list doesn't exist yet, but I suppose it will in time.
Right now, I"m thinking of testing it in the following scenarios with a wired PS2 controller, a wireless PS2 controller (through the included receiver for the SX-3 Controller made by Tomee; then with both items connected to it.
I should have the review ready by tonight, or tomorrow - at the latest. The games I'll be testing it with are: Super Tux Kart Racer; NBA 2k11, and MLB 2K10 under WINE.
Wish me luck!
Update; I'll definitely pick up the adapter tonight! Sorry for nothing here in this department, yet.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Linux Gaming: Peripherals
Gaming in Linux isn't perfect, but it isn't as difficult to appreciate gaming in a Linux environment, as feared. There are plenty of of Linux native games available for people to play, with similar fun factor as Windows counterparts; and, may I mention, are free as well.
For Linux gamers - current, prospective, and past, looking for good hand controller support in Linux, should look no further than Tomee's PS3/PC SX-3 Wireless Controller . Even though, it would seem, based on the negativity presented by Amazon customers, one had pointed out it had stopped working on the PS3 since firmware 3.5. This said, this shall have no bearing on the product itself, but more of Sony's practice of trying to block third-party controllers.
I, personally, have an older version of this same controller - missing the LED identifier; and vibration support inherent in this updated version. The controller itself may feel a little light, and cheap. But, so far, it hasn't functioned cheaply. It has outlasted the more expensive Sony counterparts; and every other PC controller I've tried since I went into PC gaming. One of the first things to occur in a failing Dual Shock controller by Sony is, a loose analog stick; or its internal calibration going awry - usually containing an extreme bias in one direction. So far, the controller I have hasn't exhibited these symptoms.
I've tested it in various Linux games, and games operated under WINE, and the controller performs as advertised. The only thing to keep in mind is calibrating the controller within the games itself. This shouldn't be too difficult as all buttons, and analog sticks are picked up in Linux - thanks to its built-in support for the controller's USB dongle.
If wireless isn't your flavor of choice, don't worry. The dongle contains a detachable wireless receiver so you can plug in your favorite PS2 Controller into it, and will still function flawlessly.
For Linux gamers - current, prospective, and past, looking for good hand controller support in Linux, should look no further than Tomee's PS3/PC SX-3 Wireless Controller . Even though, it would seem, based on the negativity presented by Amazon customers, one had pointed out it had stopped working on the PS3 since firmware 3.5. This said, this shall have no bearing on the product itself, but more of Sony's practice of trying to block third-party controllers.
I, personally, have an older version of this same controller - missing the LED identifier; and vibration support inherent in this updated version. The controller itself may feel a little light, and cheap. But, so far, it hasn't functioned cheaply. It has outlasted the more expensive Sony counterparts; and every other PC controller I've tried since I went into PC gaming. One of the first things to occur in a failing Dual Shock controller by Sony is, a loose analog stick; or its internal calibration going awry - usually containing an extreme bias in one direction. So far, the controller I have hasn't exhibited these symptoms.
I've tested it in various Linux games, and games operated under WINE, and the controller performs as advertised. The only thing to keep in mind is calibrating the controller within the games itself. This shouldn't be too difficult as all buttons, and analog sticks are picked up in Linux - thanks to its built-in support for the controller's USB dongle.
If wireless isn't your flavor of choice, don't worry. The dongle contains a detachable wireless receiver so you can plug in your favorite PS2 Controller into it, and will still function flawlessly.
Venturing Into Linux
It's been almost a year since I decided to switch away from Windows, and into Linux full-time. Since first dabbling with Linux 10 years ago, a lot has happened since; Linux became more user friendly in more ways than one. Also, the community has grown, offering a wider array of flavors - popularly known as distributions, for potential users to choose from; it can range from the most difficult, and time consuming, to being completely useable upon completion of setting everything up.
Picking Your Poison
Ubuntu - The most popular distribution for many reasons. Primarily, its setup process is one of the, if not the most, painless among the many versions of Linux. Following up, since there's a big community, many things are supported; because of this, it makes it very easy for the distribution to make everything function seamless "out of the box." Lastly, when it comes to installing, and removing applications/games, it's about as painless as doing the same in Windows. This is, in large part, due to its package management system.
Slackware - The longest running distribution to date, having its start in the early 90s. This distribution is for the more adventurous user. It offers a fair amount of control. Users can make it easy, or make it as difficult as they want. Despite not being as pretty, or as painless as Ubuntu, it's still fairly easy to get through its options. However, since the community - though decently sized, its maintenance is centrally in the hands of its creator: Patrick Volkerding. When it comes to applications/games, it's a little more difficult to do. First, one would have to be comfortable with the command line . Secondly, since the community isn't as large as Ubuntu's, dependency resolution for Linux applications is left to the hands of the user - some love this, some don't. It does have a package management system, but it's not as convenient, as others due to its command line driven nature. For a quick run down to get started in Slackware, go to the Slackware website (click on "Slackware") and grab the slackbook as it's a free download, and read its set up procedures. Once you're in, and set install options to include everything, you'll have a readily available working environment upon completion of setup.
Gentoo
This distribution requires bravery, patience (a great deal of it, too), and a spare computer (going back to the second point). This system does have a reasonably convenient package management system, but will require more bravery when it comes to working with a command line. What makes Gentoo unique is it pieces the installation process together from scratch. Additionally, it compiles each piece in accordance to one's computer. The downside is it's very time consuming - hence, the need for a separate computer to have this done.
What About Others?
Although there are other distributions, like Red Hat (now known as Fedora for home use), and Arch Linux; and each having a package management system of their own, the three mentioned are extremely distinct from one another, each catering to different user types, as evident in the contrast with regards to construction, and presentation.
Why Linux
First, and foremost, Linux - depending on the chosen distribution, is free. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." Though true for most distributions, Ubuntu is a free Linux distribution allowing for an easy transition from Windows, or Mac into Linux. And, because of its bigger community, there is plenty of computer hardware supported under Ubuntu, when contrasted against the others out there. Otherwise, users of Slackware, or Gentoo have to do some homework before buying that next web cam, or scanner, checking to see if is compatible with Linux in any way shape or form. As previously mentioned, dependency resolution also forms part of the homework process when installing that next great application. Especially users of Slackware, and Linux From Scratch (LFS), users will be left to digging up dependencies on their own.
Second, for a majority of users, who don't play next-generation Windows-only games for the most part, Linux is great for those who simply want a web browsing, and productivity environment, while maintaining a sense of reliability due to Linux's reputation. Viruses won't be much of an issue, if at all, because of a majority of them are written with Windows machines in mind (because many businesses use Windows).
Third, there's a learning process going on, depending on the distribution chosen. Granted, Ubuntu works fairly well out of the box. But, even there, users do get a chance to get "under the hood" and mess with a few things. Depending on one's bravery, there's the process of recompiling - or putting together, the kernel - the heart, or guts of Linux; Windows has one, too, but it's inaccessible. By such a process, users will learn about their computers, and what parts are contained in them. At the same time, they'll indirectly learn about what goes on in an Operating System Installation and maintenance process - especially when installing programs.
Why Not Linux
Simply, the learning curve - on the surface, is daunting alone because of unfamiliarity. Again, for the hesitant, Ubuntu is best because the hurdles during setup, and initial startup are removed. Typically - unless configured otherwise, when booting into Linux, users are greeted by a login screen characterized by a black screen reminiscent of DOS.
More importantly, as previously written, hardware compatibility isn't the caliber of Windows; this is for many reasons - obvious, and not so obvious.
If there are must have applications in one's collection, it would make one think twice because most alternatives aren't comparable to more expensive counterparts. Even when workarounds are available, there are chances the experiences coming with such will end up as less than desirable.
Picking Your Poison
Ubuntu - The most popular distribution for many reasons. Primarily, its setup process is one of the, if not the most, painless among the many versions of Linux. Following up, since there's a big community, many things are supported; because of this, it makes it very easy for the distribution to make everything function seamless "out of the box." Lastly, when it comes to installing, and removing applications/games, it's about as painless as doing the same in Windows. This is, in large part, due to its package management system.
Slackware - The longest running distribution to date, having its start in the early 90s. This distribution is for the more adventurous user. It offers a fair amount of control. Users can make it easy, or make it as difficult as they want. Despite not being as pretty, or as painless as Ubuntu, it's still fairly easy to get through its options. However, since the community - though decently sized, its maintenance is centrally in the hands of its creator: Patrick Volkerding. When it comes to applications/games, it's a little more difficult to do. First, one would have to be comfortable with the command line . Secondly, since the community isn't as large as Ubuntu's, dependency resolution for Linux applications is left to the hands of the user - some love this, some don't. It does have a package management system, but it's not as convenient, as others due to its command line driven nature. For a quick run down to get started in Slackware, go to the Slackware website (click on "Slackware") and grab the slackbook as it's a free download, and read its set up procedures. Once you're in, and set install options to include everything, you'll have a readily available working environment upon completion of setup.
Gentoo
This distribution requires bravery, patience (a great deal of it, too), and a spare computer (going back to the second point). This system does have a reasonably convenient package management system, but will require more bravery when it comes to working with a command line. What makes Gentoo unique is it pieces the installation process together from scratch. Additionally, it compiles each piece in accordance to one's computer. The downside is it's very time consuming - hence, the need for a separate computer to have this done.
What About Others?
Although there are other distributions, like Red Hat (now known as Fedora for home use), and Arch Linux; and each having a package management system of their own, the three mentioned are extremely distinct from one another, each catering to different user types, as evident in the contrast with regards to construction, and presentation.
Why Linux
First, and foremost, Linux - depending on the chosen distribution, is free. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." Though true for most distributions, Ubuntu is a free Linux distribution allowing for an easy transition from Windows, or Mac into Linux. And, because of its bigger community, there is plenty of computer hardware supported under Ubuntu, when contrasted against the others out there. Otherwise, users of Slackware, or Gentoo have to do some homework before buying that next web cam, or scanner, checking to see if is compatible with Linux in any way shape or form. As previously mentioned, dependency resolution also forms part of the homework process when installing that next great application. Especially users of Slackware, and Linux From Scratch (LFS), users will be left to digging up dependencies on their own.
Second, for a majority of users, who don't play next-generation Windows-only games for the most part, Linux is great for those who simply want a web browsing, and productivity environment, while maintaining a sense of reliability due to Linux's reputation. Viruses won't be much of an issue, if at all, because of a majority of them are written with Windows machines in mind (because many businesses use Windows).
Third, there's a learning process going on, depending on the distribution chosen. Granted, Ubuntu works fairly well out of the box. But, even there, users do get a chance to get "under the hood" and mess with a few things. Depending on one's bravery, there's the process of recompiling - or putting together, the kernel - the heart, or guts of Linux; Windows has one, too, but it's inaccessible. By such a process, users will learn about their computers, and what parts are contained in them. At the same time, they'll indirectly learn about what goes on in an Operating System Installation and maintenance process - especially when installing programs.
Why Not Linux
Simply, the learning curve - on the surface, is daunting alone because of unfamiliarity. Again, for the hesitant, Ubuntu is best because the hurdles during setup, and initial startup are removed. Typically - unless configured otherwise, when booting into Linux, users are greeted by a login screen characterized by a black screen reminiscent of DOS.
More importantly, as previously written, hardware compatibility isn't the caliber of Windows; this is for many reasons - obvious, and not so obvious.
If there are must have applications in one's collection, it would make one think twice because most alternatives aren't comparable to more expensive counterparts. Even when workarounds are available, there are chances the experiences coming with such will end up as less than desirable.
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