Linux is not a single operating system – but rather a groups of operating systems that use the Linux kernel, developed in 1991. The best Linux poker sites are actually those that handle instant browser play poker software the best as there are no poker sites that support downloadable software for Linux operating systems. However, the emergence of net books and smart phones has led to more poker sites that offer Linux software through real money mobile poker.
One of the reasons that Linux is not quite as popular as Windows or even Macintosh with online poker is that it is primarily used to operate servers rather than personal computers – the estimated desktop computer Linux market is about 4.8% while the server market for Linux is around 40%. So, while your favorite poker sites might be stored using Linux, this same software is not available for download to Linux poker users. The most popular Internet browser used to access instant play software on a Linux computer is Mozilla Firefox – a widely supported online poker instant play browser.
Linux Poker Site – Party Poker
Party Poker provides one of the best poker no download software versions for Linux poker players – with most of the same features and games available for players that download the software – with the absence only of extended multi tabling capability. Linux poker players can access the Java/Flash software at Party Poker immediately without having to install Wine or perform a dual boot with Windows and Linux.
Linux Poker Site – Bodog Poker
In addition to accepting players from the United States, Bodog Poker allows Linux players to use the instant play version of their software to play real money poker online. Although Bodog Poker has a reputation for not running very well when a Wine emulation is used, their instant play software is one of the best clients on the Internet for Linux poker site players.
Linux Poker Site – PokerStars
PokerStars not only offers Linux poker players with a no download software version, but it is often considered to be the best Linux poker site for Wine emulation – so the software can be downloaded and accessed just like it would be available to a Windows user.
What is Linux Poker?
Linux Poker on the best poker sites is either instant play real money poker or through Windows emulation on a Linux operating system. Although most players prefer to stick to no download software versions on Mozilla Firefox, Linux poker players can also choose to use Wine Windows emulation software to run poker software as if you were accessing it on a Windows computer. After downloading, installing and launching Wine, you can simply download the poker software at one of our featured Linux poker sites and run the software as normal. Although this process technically allows Linux players to access the downloadable software at any real money poker sites, our featured sites have been tested to run the most efficiently on a Wine emulation system or through instant play.
Finally, a third option for the best Linux poker sites is to install Windows on your computer and use that operating system to play online poker while Linux remains the operating system that runs all other applications on the computer. However, you cannot run both Linux and Windows at the same time so a restart is necessary to switch operating systems. This option requires a great deal of hard drive space on your computer and can get very complicated. However, it is the most reliable choice for Linux computer owners that play online poker on a regular basis.
Finding the Best Linux Poker Sites
The best Linux poker sites will provide customer service skilled in assisting customers with either accessing their instant play software or emulating a Windows operating system in order to perform the full software download. Linux computers can access both Flash and Java software so playing no download real money poker at Linux poker sites is usually not a problem. However, the best Linux poker sites will automatically provide both flash and Java updates when you access the software in the event that your browser is not current or up to date. Obviously, most Linux users will play real money poker directly in their browser so the best Linux poker sites should offer the most games and software in their instant play software version.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux Poker Sites
Many computer users choose a Linux operating system because of simplicity and customization. For example, the contrast between Microsoft Windows and Macintosh as far as preloaded software and programs is quite large with Windows focusing on providing an operating system pre-installed with a great deal of programs. Linux goes one step further by providing an operating system that provides very little software in order to provide the user with customization and storage options. The translates well into the online poker environment as the no download instant play poker software available to Linux users can run quickly and efficiently.
Of course, the primary disadvantages for Linux online poker players is a lack of availability for true Linux supported online poker sites. In fact, there are no poker rooms that offer downloadable software for Linux operating systems. There are only a few Linux poker sites that run well on a Wine emulation system. Some of the best Linux poker sites also do not offer instant play software that functions well in a Linux environment.