Analysis
Analysis
I often think about using Linux for the PC I'm building. My goals include content creation such as video editing, streaming, animation, audio recording, gaming, and more. I’m open to suggestions on suitable distros or prefer sticking with Windows—definitely not CrApps OSx. Sparky Linux GameOver Edition and Unbuntu GamePack are two options that have caught my attention.
I occasionally use Ubuntu but felt uncomfortable due to the absence of quality video editing tools. Adobe Premiere and Sony Vegas aren't officially supported on Linux. You'd need to explore alternatives. For audio work, Audacity performs well. Steam is also available for Linux, which helps address that. I reviewed UbuntuGamePack, but it seems like standard Ubuntu with Wine and Steam installed works for most needs. Keep in mind, Wine supports only certain executables and games—see https://appdb.winehq.org/. Streaming options include OBS, found at https://obsproject.com/download.
For essential items, windows are crucial. Follow my approach—set up a dual-boot! Run games on Windows while using Linux for everything else. It’s a solid setup and straightforward to configure when building your PC. Begin by installing Windows, then add Linux alongside it. When you power on, you’ll be prompted to choose between Windows or Linux. If you select Linux, the transition will happen quickly—just a 10-second reboot from the SSD.
You can store everything in a single drive, just with separate partitions.
FWIW Steam officially backs Ubuntu, a solid choice for newcomers. Not essential, but I suggest setting up a separate NTFS or Windows partition for personal files if you'll use Windows occasionally. This lets you share the same data across both systems. Windows generally can't read EXT4 partitions, which Linux typically uses, though Linux supports NTFS and EXT4. For video editing, Kdenlive (free & open source) and DaVinci Resolve (free for hobbyists) are top picks. In animation, Blender is ideal. For audio, Audacity (like DeXxterlab97 mentioned) works well; if you need more, consider Ardour (free to build/from your distro), Bitwig Studio ($400), or Renoise ($75). Edited April 13, 2017 by noahdvs Corrections about Ardour