Restarting. Decide between Mint or Mix it Up.
Restarting. Decide between Mint or Mix it Up.
I previously used EndeavorOS as my main desktop for several years before switching to Mint. AUR worked well at first but later caused some problems, so I moved to Mint for a while. Now I’m planning a clean install. Should I keep Mint or explore alternatives? The full story: In 2020 I started with a full desktop using zero Windows apps on Endeavor OS, then changed to Mint after an audio issue (many Windows devices struggled with it too). I’ve been using Mint for laptops for a long time. I ran a script to set up Fusion 360, which has significantly altered the package list and I’m having trouble getting Wine or Heroic Launcher to run Warcraft or other non-steam games. I’m considering switching to FreeCAD but find it too demanding and Fusion remains my go-to Windows program despite its flaws. A complete reinstall would be much smoother. Mint has performed well for gaming with Heroic Launcher and Steam, but since I play more than just games, that might not cover everything. Eventually, I’ll tackle Fusion, possibly using a live version or backup next time.
Fusion is exclusive to Windows environments, so consider W11. If FreeCAD offers similar functionality, go with that. Besides being built for Linux, it remains free of charge. The final choice depends entirely on your needs and preferences. Dual-booting or using a virtual machine adds complexity and demands maintaining two operating systems along with a W11 license. Bazzite (Fedora-based) is straightforward, while Mint is derived from another Debian-based variant unless you're referring to LMDE, which itself stems from Debian. This introduces yet another layer of decisions due to atomic’s constraints and advantages. You might find it easier to stick with pure Debian or Cinnamon DE, as Arch is also an option. Each distro has its own approach and philosophy. When selecting a distribution, think about whether you prefer stability, updates, or something in between. Ignore forcing a switch between distros unless absolutely necessary. In most scenarios, trying Linux software or using W11 is more reliable than jumping to another distro, since compatibility issues are common. Some hardware may simply not support certain applications.
Back then things seemed okay but as a hobbyist the public option didn’t appeal to me. I aspire to go beyond just being a hobbyist someday. FreeCAD works fine for me, though it’s quite rigid with constraints. Everything feels incomplete until it’s fully finished and undoing steps doesn’t help clarify the next move. It might just take some time to adapt, or maybe a better option will appear later. The situation in 2020 gave me the chance to spend two weeks converting everything I use on my desktop, making it feasible now.
Fusion doesn't need a subscription. You might have used their free version, but it felt too complex compared to FREECAD. For hobbyists, go with the more affordable option and stick with it if necessary. If you upgrade to professional use, focus on the best tool for your needs—even if that means using Windows instead.
I also use the fusion free tier—it lets you work on 10 projects for free. I just checked Onshape; as long as you're open to sharing your work, it’s completely free. I haven’t used it much myself, but I’ve tried it and it performs exceptionally well because it’s browser-based, which is a plus compared to Fusion. It works well on Linux too. @Lurking fusion is much simpler than freecad—when you hit a snag, just search for the solution and you’ll find video guides. ChatGPT might also be worth exploring; I haven’t used it yet since I mastered the fundamentals earlier. For me, switching to Onshape makes sense—it’s outstanding and keeps my hobby projects private.
TBH, I didn’t spend much time on free Fusion since I never planned to join it. I usually think a free version might vanish or come with too many restrictions. I noticed Fusion demands significantly more resources than FreeCAD—so I guess that’s just the extra features. If you’re working professionally, go for the best tool and stick with it; don’t revert later. Same applies to hardware—buy quality equipment. Choose the operating system needed for that software. Using Fusion could also boost your resume for jobs or clients who need native formats. I bet the Fusion community is active and real professionals use it daily, unlike many free tools. If you’re just experimenting, Linux might work fine... but it really depends on what people want from their setups. I don’t know how everyone handles Windows installations with those issues you mention. Hope you’re not running scripts or using questionable add-ons. I’m not an IT expert, but at my workplace there are 1,800 W11 PCs, all functioning mostly well despite minor problems. If IT had to force a reinstall every four years, it would be obvious now. The key is that IT often locks down systems to stop users from tweaking the OS. My work PC runs nonstop and handles heavy software. A fresh OS only happens when someone moves it after four years—then it’s just good practice, not mandatory. Running Windows apps on Linux is risky; you might find a patchy solution today, but updates could break everything. Consider switching to Linux or sticking with W11. If you pick a Linux option, make sure it meets your needs. Don’t let others tell you you don’t need certain features—those labels mean specific OS requirements. If you’re using Linux, look for something that mentions “Linux software.” https://www.autodesk.com/support/technic...Linux.html
I understand your perspective. The choice depends on your needs. I wouldn't try fusion on Linux since it isn't optimized well. Reducing graphics settings makes it work fine on most systems. I've used it on a work laptop with an i5 10210u and 8GB RAM. They could drop the free tier anytime. Onshape is much more suitable for most users.
I'll look into Onshape. It appears to be accessible online, which should work across different platforms. I'm not sure about the intricacies of Fusion, but even if it functions on Linux through some workaround, this might only apply to certain capabilities. At my workplace, I rely on Autodesk Revit, which boasts thousands of features. Sometimes during setup, some functionalities fail to install properly. However, once you activate them, errors can arise due to missing components. This issue could develop over time—months or years after installation. It seems comparable to problems encountered with Wine or similar compatibility solutions. Our IT team employs "Applocker" to block unauthorized installations. Occasionally, parts of Revit might lack the required certificate, leading to installation failures. Others succeed without issues, and once installed, everything appears normal. I usually open Event Viewer during setup to identify blocked features and then submit a request to IT for exceptions. This isn't a major concern on Windows or Revit itself, just the impact of Applocker. Similar scenarios can occur with compatibility tools like Wine or Proton—perceived as working until a feature is used, potentially resulting in unusable files. Choose the software that best fits your needs. Consider factors like cost, available features, and peer recommendations. Then select an operating system that runs natively on the software you require. Avoid systems based solely on ideology, and opt for solutions that meet your demands. Life is better with a suitable vehicle—whether diesel or gasoline, it depends on what you need.