I'm thinking about switching from Windows 11 because I'm fed up with constant ads and intrusive notifications. It feels like I can't escape the promotions, even for games! Plus, Adobe seems to keep adding unnecessary features that clutter Photoshop. I'm also interested in exploring 3D art with Blender and I assume that's available on Linux too. I'm looking for an operating system that allows me to focus on my art without distractions, and I still want to play some games on Steam. I don't want to rely on the terminal for everything; it should be user-friendly. What Linux distribution would you recommend? How does its performance compare to Windows 11? Are there good art applications on Linux?
3 Answers
Switching from Photoshop can be daunting, but many artists find Krita or GIMP to be great alternatives once they get used to them. You won't need to dive into the terminal for daily tasks; most distros have graphical tools for installation and management. Fedora and Ubuntu are user-friendly and have large communities if you need help along the way. Mint is also good for beginners looking for minimal hassle. You can always try a few distros to see which feels right for you!
You're right to be cautious about making the switch. A lot of mainstream drives come with graphical package managers these days, making the experience less terminal-heavy. Really, the biggest adjustment might be letting go of some of the Adobe workflow. Krita, among others, has a lot of the features you're used to, just with a bit of a learning curve. As for gaming, many titles on Steam work fine on Linux, but check for compatibility. But overall, artistically speaking, Linux can be just what you need to focus on your work!
I appreciate the reassurance! I'm glad to hear that many games run well too. Do you have any recommendations for checking game compatibility?
You really can avoid using the terminal most of the time if you choose the right distro! In terms of art software, programs like Krita, GIMP, and Inkscape are solid options for artists. Blender is also available and works well on many distros. For a familiar experience, consider KDE Plasma as it can be customized to resemble Windows' layout. For beginners, Linux Mint is often suggested since it offers a smooth transition, but Fedora is also a great choice. Also, trying out a live USB version can give you a feel for the OS without installing it.
Thanks for the advice! I've looked into Linux Mint and it seems straightforward, but I've also seen some beautiful setups with Fedora and KDE. How much customization would I need to do to achieve a similar aesthetic?
I'm definitely willing to experiment a bit! I’ve heard from others that the customization options on Linux are vast, which excites me. Thanks for the suggestions!