Hey everyone! I'm thinking about making the switch to Linux, but I'm particularly interested in running CAD/CAM software like SolidCAM, MasterCAM, and Rhinoceros. Is there a specific Linux distribution that can handle these programs seamlessly, or am I looking at a bigger challenge?
3 Answers
In all honesty, many serious software developers don't create applications for Linux, which can make it challenging for CAD applications. Depending on the distro, you might face quite a bit of fragmentation and support issues. Just something to keep in mind!
Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward way to run SolidCAM or MasterCAM on Linux. Your best bet would be to dual boot with Windows or use virtualization with GPU passthrough, but even that can be tricky. Compatibility with Wine can vary, so you might not have great luck with it either.
Most Linux distros have similar hardware and software compatibility, so it might not matter which one you choose. It's often better to research the overall Linux support for the software you want to use rather than focusing too much on individual distros.
Just a heads up, I’ve heard that running CAD systems in a VM can really be hit or miss. It might be more reliable to keep a Windows setup for those programs.