Yup, that was my reason in 2022 to migrate to Linux. All those settings that with each update would be defaulted to m$ benefits. Of course you can use stop-software for that but it is abnormal that a manufacturer defaults settings that a user has changed to his preferences.

Not going to happen. Never. Why should m$? There are still so many people absolutely wanting to use windows even when they are "just" regular users in the way that they don't do more than web browsing and emailing. It's absurd, but it is true. And even when people see my desktop thinking it is windows but it is Linux MX21, they still think that m$ is somehow "better"....because they payed for it...maybe....

 

Does anyone know if Melodyne 5 will work with ARA2 if you run Reaper through Wine instead of the native Linux version?

 

Did not manage to get it running under Wine, but the Linux version of Reaper (with Yabridge) works with v5.4.2.006 in ARA2. Kinda strange, but since Reaper can be run in native Linux and under Wine with windows Reaper I don't mind!

 

Have you tried it yourself? Version 5.1.1 does not support ARA2. There is no information about support anywhere.

 

Hi @ziked, it's great that you've found an operating system you can work with and are happy with long-term. I think you've very effectively outlined Microsoft's negative policies, which are driving more and more people to switch to Linux. Since data is the new gold in the industry, they'll continue down this path.

As a Windows 11 user, I'd like to add the following: I've been using Windows since 1998, so for 27 years – first Windows 95, then Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10, and now Windows 11. I want my operating system to last me the rest of my life. As a backup, I still have a Windows 7 offline PC.

I no longer receive updates, I don't have any antivirus software installed, I'm not connected to Windows, and I have a complete backup of my C:/ drive in case of an emergency, i.e., a malware infection of the operating system. I've decided to continue using Windows 11 and have therefore used the following programs and measures to make Windows user-friendly and stable:

StopUpdates10 --> https://greatis.com/stopupdates10
Take your Control over Windows 11/10/8/7 updates with StopUpdates10 Free! Windows 11 24H2 is supported!

jonuttbara/windows-defender-remove --> https://github.com/ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover
A tool which is uses to remove Windows Defender in Windows 8.x, Windows 10 (every version) and Windows 11.

O&O ShutUp10++:Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11 --> www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
In reality, Windows 11 works perfectly and without problems once you have configured it correctly.

 

I'm happy with my Windows 11. I use the GhostSpectre compact Win11 and I've never had any problems. Everything works perfectly. Never had a system freeze or blue screen or anything like that. I've tried Linux before. Not for me.

 

Oops, did not see the "2" after ARA. Is there a difference between ARA and ARA2? It definitely has ARA because I used to have to load a song in Melodyne and that is not necessary anymore.

 

I partially use Linux on a virtual machine and damn is it complicated to install a program locally or to navigate easily using dolphin.
For me as a windows user since Windows 98 SE, Linux means I have to get unemployed to study it for half a year. Just using it to browse the net isn't enough for me to switch.

 

Are you kiddin' me? You are a skilled programmer. I am an old boomer and I had no problem doing just browsing and emailing. It is exact the same as in windows. Installing program's is also about the same: you had to learn how to in windows, so now you have to learn how to do it in Linux. And for the usual stuff you don't need to buy software or use cracked software. For example, when using windows, I had bought Movavi: a simple video editor. Turns out that in Linux there is free software that is even better than the payed Movavi!

People forget that they had to learn things when using windows. Apparently that was not a problem. But the same time of investment in Linux seems a big insurmountable problem. I don't get it.

Of course, when you want more out of Linux you have to spend more time learning how things work in Linux. But that is the same with windows. How to uncripple windows for example. You have to know which programs to install and how to set up things to forbid windows defaulting preferences and preventing you from doing things you want to do. And then I don't talk about the stupid thing called m$ defender that interferes when it should shut up and doesn't do a thing when you're attacked. Don't get me started about the subscription model that m$ is migrating to!

 

What is this all "usual stuff" you mean that all the Windows users on here are paying for to make music, which Linux users aren't? Ruling out "pirated software" is always some big morality, ethics decision for Open Source users; until its importance is right down the drain as soon as you need a DAW, plugins, and so on.

There is no open-source moral high ground to take when you still pirate software, just a smaller number of software titles. That is called rationalization. Not paying for Windows? It's rather hard to believe only the Linux users here were paying for Windows before; when no-one else seems bothered by not doing so. Just as MacOS is legally free to install on any Mac. i never noticed any ethical dilemma confronted by anyone when people would install it on a Hackintosh. These things are all non-issues when your moral high ground from which to preach the open source gospel about is gone.

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025 at 10:28 PM

That sentence sums up the authentic Linux experience for most people who try to run music software.
If you have the skills and the patience then good for you. Otherwise, Windows and MacOS work just fine and modern hardware means that efficiency and optimisation is just not the issue it once was. You can spend your time making music rather than fiddling with the platform.

 

In this discussion, you’re the only one using the argument about “open source’s moral superiority or high ground” as if every Linux user shared that view. Not every Linux user is a FOSS evangelist.
Many people switch away from Windows for practical reasons like hardware requirements or because they dislike the business model and increasing cloud dependency. Or for fun. Various reasons.

It’s easy to lecture others about morality and act entitled to pointing hypocrisy. What’s your point?!

 

Why are you pushing that open-source narrative, like Linux users can’t use paid or proprietary software? Nobody said they wouldn’t — but when there’s a chance to avoid it, people naturally feel better about it. And honestly, this forum’s a bad example; it’s not really representative. Most people do pay for things.

 

I hear you and you're exactly correct on all counts. But personally, I am not putting myself thru the ringer making myself use an obtuse and unsuitable system simply because microsoft wants to be a complete corporate dick to end users. Just to keep it real, apple is no better. Their shit just manifests itself in a slightly different way but it's just as bad

My answer to this is whether you're building a new machine, or buying one that has the junk OEM WinOS already on it - pave the storage medium COMPLETELY and place an optimized install image upon the machine. They come in all flavors and sizes, and can be activated for free. The mickeysoft updating shit can (and should) be turned the fuck OFF along with the rest of the garbage that comes on an OEM image. All that crap-ware can be rendered inert and therefore busting the user out of the prison that the OEM wants to put them into. Been doing this since WinXP (granted it was simpler then) and have had none of the issues that the so-called computer industry says will befall you if you don't follow their planned obsolesce corporate marketing model to the letter.

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025 at 11:44 PM

I had a testbed running Bitwig... nah, too much hassle, time wasted when I could be making shit. Recognise this is a thing and more power to you, but not for the faint-hearted or a commercial studio. I have a Pro Studio with Pro Apps on a MacBook M4 Max running Tahoe flawlessly.