Hey everyone! I'm both a gamer and an editor, primarily using Premiere Pro (though I'm planning to learn DaVinci Resolve on Linux). I have a few questions about using Linux for gaming and media editing:
1. Can I use the installation files of my Windows games on Linux, or does Linux have its own versions? How does it work with Steam games? Is it possible to back them up and restore them on Linux? I ask because my internet is pretty limited.
2. Do Linux distributions have background services similar to Windows' service host that download updates while gaming?
3. I've searched around and could really use some advice on which Linux distro is best for both DaVinci and gaming (especially for Dota 2).
4. And lastly, can I have an HDD shared between Windows and Linux without changing its format?
Thanks for any help!
4 Answers
You can definitely share an HDD between Windows and Linux! Using NTFS or ExFAT formats can make it easily accessible for both systems. Just remember, while Linux can read Windows partitions fine, the reverse can be tricky. A well-configured drive will save you from a lot of headaches!
As for which distro to choose, Linux Mint is often recommended for new users because it's user-friendly. If you have more modern hardware, Fedora KDE is also a good choice. Testing out a few with live USB can help you find what works best for you!
Yeah, I've had great experiences with Mint. Plus, DaVinci Resolve works quite well on it, just make sure to check compatibility for your hardware.
For your second question about services, it depends. Similar to Windows, Linux can have background services, but they work differently. For gaming on Linux, if a game has a built-in updater, it will typically function the same as it does on Windows, through platforms like Steam or others. Just check your settings to control it.
Yeah, Steam's settings let you choose whether to download updates automatically or not. It's pretty flexible!
Sure! About your first question, it varies. Some games have native Linux versions while others can run on Linux using compatibility layers like Wine or Proton from Valve, which is optimized for games. Backing up Windows games and restoring them on Linux should work, but verifying the files afterward is a good idea. Just a heads-up: Steam has a Linux client that can show you if a game is compatible or not!
Always check ProtonDB for user experiences with specific games. It can save you some headaches!

Good tip! Avoiding Linux partitions on a shared drive is a smart move.