In general, there are two main reasons to have a Windows based operating system installed. One reason is for work that required the use of Windows. The other reason is to play games that can only run on Windows. So, If the PC gaming industry flops in the future, would it not make sense that the appeal of switching to a Linux based operating system would increase?

Most people in the world do not likely require the use of a Windows system right now for work related purposes. So we have eliminated one of the two reasons for having a Windows system for a great portion of people. The next is reason is for using a PC as a gaming system. If you are a PC gamer, then you are going to want a Windows (preferably Windows XP) based system. There is no getting around that just yet. Next generation gaming consoles offerings are on par with PC hardware and game software though.

If we take games out of the equation completely for just a moment, then what is the difference between Windows and Linux? I personally believe that there is not a significant difference (a majority of 22,000 students in Indiana believe this as well) as there are many open-source applications available that would be great alternatives to most Windows based applications. (A future Tech In Demand article will highlight these alternative applications.)

An aggregation of problems from Microsoft has caused a migration to Linux based operating systems as of late: Microsoft Vista, an operating system that some consider--myself included--a huge failure thus far, is still lacking in system stability and reliability, DirectX 10 is certainly not taking off with game developers just yet, and system security always seems to be an issue.

There are other reasons why appeal to switch Linux is now more prominent than ever: online alternatives to desktop applications (like Google's web office applications) are now popular, and this in turn makes our reliance on the operating system itself not as important; Linux is easier to try without fear because the use of a "Live CD" doesn't modify your system in any way; Linux based operating systems are easier to install than in the past, and some distributions like Ubuntu only require a few mouse clicks to get up and running; and hardware compatibility is dramatically increasing as hardware manufacturers, and even a PC manufacturer, are starting to support Linux more.

To return to the question at hand: with a possible decline in PC game sales, would Linux ultimately benefit? The answer is yes it would. Linux benefits from the suffering of the PC gaming market. Lately this market has been improving, and there are great games being made for the PC. Yet, if you are a gamer, then the chances are high that you own a gaming console and play it. It is something to think about in the future.

There are very many things that could lead to the demise PC games, and we must keep an eye out for it. As I said before, the differences between Linux and Windows are no longer much different in terms of applications available. Does this mean if you are a Linux and open-source fanatic who wishes to see both grow, you hope for the demise of the PC gaming industry? If you have not already, then you might now.

I would love to know your take on this. Please leave a comment and let the world know what you think of the a correlation of the PC gaming industry and Linux appeal.