Thinking About Switching to Linux, But I Rely on Windows Programs

I personally prefer dual booting! I mostly use Windows just to keep it updated. Ableton can work with Wine or you might even try a virtual machine setup if you need to keep using Windows programs. Dual booting is pretty straightforward: install Windows first, then add Linux. If you're short on space, set it up through partitions. Don't stress too much about finding the perfect Linux distribution at first; I'd recommend trying Mint Cinnamon—it's user-friendly and doesn't feel too different from Windows.

You can run Ableton Live on Linux using Wine, which might be a good way to start experimenting on your Steam Deck. There are GUI tools like Bottles and Lutris that can help you set it up. As for dual booting, it's basically installing both Windows and Linux on your machine. It’s often easier to have them on separate drives, but if you're using the same drive, just make sure Windows is installed first to avoid any headaches later. That way, you can choose your OS at startup.

Give it a shot! There are plenty of ways to run Windows applications on Linux, and you might be surprised at what works. Dual booting can be really helpful to keep your options open. Just remember to back up your files before you make any changes!

If there’s no Linux alternative that suits you, it's totally fine to stick with Windows for those essential apps. Dual booting might work for you, or you could consider using two machines if that's an option. I've got a setup like that, and it makes life easier!