Your requirements match the Linux distribution that supports your use case.
Your requirements match the Linux distribution that supports your use case.
Hey there! I'm a full-time Windows user who's just finished watching the "Noob's Guide to Linux Gaming" video. I'm excited to explore Linux and need some guidance on what works best.
I'm looking for a setup that supports my MSI GS65 ST, ASUS Zephyrus M GM501, Dell XPS 15 or Gigabyte Aero 15. Do these laptops run Linux smoothly? Also, I want to use an external drawing tablet like Wacom, Huion, or Artisul.
My software needs include Affinity Designer, Photo, and Davinci Resolve. Paint Tool Sai and Krita would be great too. For games I enjoy—League of Legends, Divison 2, Apex Legends, Warframe—I need compatibility.
I prefer a clean, minimal design with easy customization. Widgets similar to Rainmeter would be nice. I also want the ability to open and convert .exe files. Since I often test alpha/beta programs, I'm curious about potential risks: virus threats, hacking possibilities, privacy concerns, and anonymity.
Any tips on safety compared to Windows 10? Thanks a lot!
Hello, Dell typically supports ACPI thanks to their XPS developer edition that comes bundled with Ubuntu, which should resolve issues like backlight and sleep functions. For external drawing tablets, it often depends on driver availability; I used a basic Huion model for playing osu and it worked fine. Wacom likely offers native support as well—check Google for confirmation. Davinci Resolve includes a native Linux version that’s straightforward to install and gives a Windows-like experience, though H264 playback isn’t supported natively, so you may need to use HEVC or similar. Almost any DX11 game should run, except those with EAC, which are still in development with Valve for a fix. Regarding customization, every Linux distribution provides options. For safety, Linux is less targeted for attacks due to lower desktop adoption and robust package management; regular updates help more than Windows 10’s automatic ones. Privacy-wise, some distros like Ubuntu send minimal data compared to Windows. Wine can run Windows apps but must be compatible. C# projects generally get good support. When picking a distro, consider what you need—Ubuntu 19.04, PopOS, or Manjaro Linux are solid choices. If you prefer a desktop environment, KDE offers widgets; Kubuntu is another option. Manjaro KDE or PopOS with KDE would suit you too. GNOME gives extensive customization like Windows, though it has a steeper learning curve and is based on Arch.
Thank you for your message! I’m glad to help. I don’t have a specific resource, but I can suggest some reliable options for learning Linux basics and advanced commands. Would you like recommendations on tutorials, videos, or structured guides?
Krita offers a download option for Linux users. The official site provides a direct link: https://krita.org/en/download/krita-desktop/. Many resources are available online, including YouTube tutorials and guides for running Paint Tool Sai on Linux. A helpful video from Joe Collins on YouTube walks through setting it up with WINE.
Linux works well on laptops, though certain models might encounter issues. The XPS series often comes with Ubuntu preinstalled, ensuring smooth operation. Similar support exists for other devices, but manufacturer backing can vary. You can look up discussions about "thing Linux" on forums or Reddit to see real experiences. Trying a minimal setup helps—distros like Xubuntu, Kubuntu, or Ubuntu MATE let you install your preferred interface manually. This approach may cause problems, as some applications run only with Wine and bugs remain uncertain. It's generally safer since packages come from trusted sources, reducing exposure to viruses. Privacy is strong; most distros don’t share personal data and those that do only send anonymized info. For beginners, starting with an Ubuntu variant is advisable.
Everything appears fine overall; League of Legends functions well across most distributions. Most drawing tablets work (including Wacom and Huion), but the problem lies with Affinity Designer/Photo—this software doesn’t support Linux at all. I might need to try an alternative there. DaVinci Resolve, however, is fully compatible out of the box.
Here are some alternative design tools you might consider:
- Affinity Designer – a powerful option with a more affordable price point.
- Vectr – a free, user-friendly vector graphics editor.
- Inkscape – open-source software for creating scalable vector graphics.
- CorelDRAW – a professional-grade tool with a learning curve but robust features.
- Canva – great for quick web design and templates without deep customization.
I find it hard to admit, but this explains why I don’t rely on Linux for image editing. The choices available are quite limited, which is one reason I often switch back to Windows. I really miss Paint.NET, and every other editor I’ve tried in Linux feels unfamiliar to me.
Consider checking these resources for guidance: https://alternativeto.net/software/davinci-resolve/