I play from linux most of the time (now i write from windows :( )... just install springlobby and everything will work great.
and 2 things:
1.) on linux it runs faster so it`s logical to stay on it, but if you can`t compile springengine or use google to help yourself, rather switch to windows, coz linux is not for you :(
2.) if you`ll have problems runing springlobby, you`ll have to install spring 93.x ... zk runs on 91.0 so download, build, compile, install and then open springlobby, go to settings, click autodetect, then click apply ... after that click browse and point it to /usr/games/spring (the old launcher) and the library(.so) should remain the new one ... now it will sometimes suckingly warn you about desync, but i never get desync so just play :)
btw which distro do you use?