====== Firestorm Viewer for Linux ======

[[https://www.firestormviewer.org/linux/|The Firestorm Viewer]] — a popular third-party viewer for Second Life and OpenSim — offers a dedicated Linux version that runs smoothly on most major distributions.

=== 🐧 Key Features ===
  * 64-bit Linux build available as `.tar.xz` archive
  * Compatible with Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and other mainstream distros
  * Includes nearly all features from the Windows version
  * Supports advanced rendering, WindLight environments, and OpenSim grids

=== 🔧 Setup Notes ===
  * Requires OpenGL and modern GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD recommended)
  * May need additional libraries like `libfontconfig`, `libgtk`, `libcurl`
  * Some media features (e.g. streaming) may require `gstreamer` plugins
  * Launching via terminal helps diagnose missing dependencies

=== 📦 Installation Tips ===
  * Extract and run directly from the terminal
  * Check the [Firestorm Downloads Page](https://www.firestormviewer.org/downloads/) for the latest Linux build
  * AppImage or Flatpak formats may simplify setup (if available)

=== 🧩 Integration Ideas ===
Firestorm works well with creative Linux workflows — including OBS, virtual camera routing, and Stream Deck automation. Ideal for immersive projects and modular setups.

Linux users now have a powerful, open-source-friendly gateway to virtual worlds.

====== Alchemy Viewer for Linux ======

[[https://www.alchemyviewer.org/downloads|Alchemy Viewer]] is a modern, community-driven viewer for Second Life and OpenSim. It offers a native Linux build alongside Windows and macOS versions.

=== 🐧 Linux Support ===
  * 64-bit Linux package available as `.tar.xz`
  * Actively maintained with regular beta releases
  * Latest version: **7.1.9.2516**
  * Includes bug fixes, UI enhancements, and UUID-based search features

=== 🔧 Setup Notes ===
  * No official support team — help is community-based via Discord and in-world group
  * Terminal launch recommended for debugging and dependency checks
  * SHA256 checksum provided for integrity verification

=== 🛠️ Recent Improvements ===
  * Fixed account age display issues
  * Improved Heretic skin visuals
  * Added UUID-based search for people and groups
  * Fixed auto-response menu inconsistencies
  * Improved low-resolution texture upload handling

=== 📦 Installation Tips ===
  * Download from the [Alchemy Downloads Page](https://www.alchemyviewer.org/downloads)
  * Extract and run from terminal
  * Join the Discord or in-world group `.:[Alchemy Viewer]:.` for support and early beta access

=== 🧩 Integration Ideas ===
Alchemy is well-suited for creative Linux setups — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and modular viewer scripting.

====== Megapahit Viewer for Linux ======

[[https://megapahit.net/|Megapahit]] is a performance-focused viewer for Second Life and OpenSim, offering a Linux build alongside Windows and macOS versions.

=== 🐧 Linux Support ===
  * 64-bit Linux builds available for download
  * Latest versions:
    * **7.2.1.54496** – Default release
    * **7.2.2.54702** – Beta (2025.07)
  * Source code and changelogs provided for transparency

=== 🔧 Setup Notes ===
  * Distributed as compressed archive (`.tar.xz`)
  * Terminal launch recommended for debugging and dependency checks
  * Community support via Discord, IRC, and in-world groups

=== 🛠️ Features & Philosophy ===
  * Emphasis on performance, minimalism, and user control
  * Customizable UI and rendering options
  * Suitable for advanced users and creative workflows

=== 📦 Installation Tips ===
  * Download from the [Megapahit Downloads Page](https://megapahit.net)
  * Verify integrity with provided checksums
  * Join community channels for updates and support

=== 🧩 Integration Ideas ===
Megapahit pairs well with modular Linux setups — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and viewer scripting. Ideal for users who value speed, control, and open-source flexibility.

====== Linux Viewer Comparison: Firestorm vs Alchemy vs Megapahit ======

This table compares three actively maintained viewers for Second Life and OpenSim, all offering native Linux builds.

^ Viewer        ^ Linux Support ^ Latest Version ^ Key Features ^ Community Support ^
| **Firestorm** | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | Varies by release | Full feature parity with Windows. SteamVR, WindLight, OpenSim support | Large user base, active forums, in-world groups |
| **Alchemy**   | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | 7.1.9.2516 (Beta) | UUID search, Heretic skin, bug fixes, low-res texture improvements | Discord, in-world group `.:[Alchemy Viewer]:.` |
| **Megapahit** | ✅ 64-bit `.tar.xz` | 7.2.1.54496 (Default), 7.2.2.54702 (Beta) | Performance-focused, customizable UI, minimalism | Discord, IRC, in-world support |

=== 🐧 Shared Linux Notes ===
  * All viewers require OpenGL and modern GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD recommended)
  * Launching via terminal helps diagnose missing dependencies
  * Some media features may require `gstreamer` plugins or additional setup
  * No Flatpak/AppImage officially supported (yet)

=== 🧩 Integration Ideas ===
All three viewers work well with creative Linux workflows — including OBS overlays, virtual camera routing, and modular scripting. Ideal for users customizing immersive environments.


~~DISCUSSION~~