I'm on the same version, I haven't tested on Linux. Could the problem be that you aren't creating the initial cells? Try drawing this pattern in the center before clicking start:
|0|0|0|
|0|_|0|
|0|_|0|
or
|_|0|_|
|_|_|0|
|0|0|0|
It's somewhat unintuitive. I also had just pressed play at first. Then I read the text and added a bunch of unconnected dots. Nothing. Only after reading your comment above have I understood how it works.
Yes, I'm working on an update that adds something interesting from the start, and a better explanation of how to play. Thanks for the feedback. :)