The most modern linux alternative for creators is PopOS! Its based on Ubuntu, but offers a more turnkey solution, including an installer already packed with Nvidia drivers and management software. Coupled with Bitwig, music production is coverered. With Davinci Resolve, video production is covered. Unreal Engine 5 and Blender are supported.

I use PopOS ocassionally alongside MacOS and Windows 11 systems...I like to keep up with the 3. While linux offers less telemetry and bloatware, it's not a polished experience like Mac and Win when it comes to drivers, hardware rendering functionality, and high-end software solutions. So it won't fit most use-cases...just the niche of geeks, scientists, and those who really need a free OS solution.


I have given AV linux a run in the past, and its not really polished. Its functional at best. IF you really need everything to be free, you'll make it work. Otherwise, Windows and Mac work better as to simply install and run the software...no further configuration other than selecting your interface and midi controller.

 

I've never found pages where you search for a solution and get straight to the answer. Its impossible to read what they write... They just don't think in a basic way that you can understand.

I think the solution is already here though. Ask AI. Its a lot easier.

I wouldn't touch Linux for making music unless I already had a habit of sticking hot coals in my eyes.

 

Linux is an ivory tower!

 

Linux is a little tweeting bird chirping in a meadow. Linux is a wreath of pretty flowers which smell bad.

 

I've already made up my mind. I'm not gonna be a slave to Big Tech, so I'll switch to Linux entirely once they start phasing out support for W10.

 

Linux fanbois in a nutshell.

 

Over the years I have been through a lot of distributions, and used to recommend Debian for it's stability but after going back to Linux with an nvidia card I got really frustrated that it was painful to get working. The only distribution I found that works out of the box, is modern and pain free is Fedora.

Sounds a lot Gearslutz Gearspace to me. Maybe they all went to the same school as Linux neckbeards

I use Linux on my main PC, not for audio but for work related tasks. It's just another tool

 

There's far more anti-Linux evangelising in this thread than the other way around - just saying.

 

I don't trust Linux with my personal data, I'm staying with Windows.

 

One thing I ALWAYS use Linux for - web servers. I think that's where it is king, in the world of php, docker, linux, nginx, and other web serverces, Linux is a modular beast. I use a Proxmox too for homelab.

 

Most ppl try to CONVERT Linux into Windows.
What is the point ?
Use Windows.

That's what i've done after trying Macs and Linux, and trying to get all my win only softwares working.
And they never worked right.

Back to Windows only.
I've no time to loose "making things just work".

 

My use case:

• Linux -> training machine learning models (50% faster than Windows)
  
• Windows -> gaming/audio production

Never understood the Linux vs Windows thing: I use the best tool for a given job.

 

Simple : Linux guys pretend Linux "can do it all AND better than Windows".
A pure lie of course, for anyone facing the truth.

PS : i love Linux Mint ... but NOT for music making.

 

I love Linux, but I have stopped trying to use it for music production. I’ve had reasonably good success using Linux native Reaper, with quite a few Windows plugins thanks to yabridge, but it’s still only 80% effective/reliable.

 

dude what are you even doing in these forums? all you do is talk shit about music production on linux. what's the point?
music production on linux is viable for some (arguably most) people and not viable for others. I made it work, with some difficulties and time investment, but I'm happy with the result.

 

of cource its nonsense that something is not made for music-making
people make music even on matrix printers and hard-drives
It all depends on your involvement in the process and diligence

 

old wise man rant, the sensei type

I just love how Microsoft is pushing everyone to Windows 11, making more people ditch Windows, whatever. But it’s not new; they first did it with Windows 7 users. There were all these small vile things, like not supporting new joysticks in Win7 (though there’s usually a simple workaround), and big things, like DirectX 12.

Spoiler: +

the Three Rules to avoid gremlins turning evil

 

Last edited: Oct 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Linux is the Reaper of OS's.

 

I think for pros Windows and MacOS is a must have. But for less confined to the industry it’s an open case which system to use.
Would I come back to the Atari GEM and Cubase which ruled my life at that time? No, I wouldn’t. But then it was the only system I wouldn’t have changed until the better thing came, Windows.
Hopefully Linux will develop into full scale system harnessed with pro tools for audio.