I'm completely new to Linux and want to move away from Windows because of its RAM usage. Most of what I do is photo and video editing, so I'm looking for a beginner-friendly distribution that works well with DaVinci Resolve and, if possible, Lightroom. I've heard about CachyOS and Pop!_OS, but I'm open to other recommendations and would prefer something simple rather than complicated to configure.
4 Answers
For an easy introduction, Linux Mint or Ubuntu would probably be the least frustrating choices. DaVinci Resolve can work on Linux, but setup may take some effort and compatibility depends heavily on your GPU. Lightroom is the bigger issue: Adobe does not provide a native Linux version, so it generally won’t run properly without workarounds. You may want to consider Linux alternatives such as Darktable or RawTherapee for photos.
If DaVinci Resolve is essential, Ubuntu, Debian, or a related distribution is a sensible starting point because Resolve is commonly used and documented there. Fedora can work too. The desktop environment matters more for everyday usability than most people expect, so Cinnamon, KDE Plasma, or GNOME are all reasonable beginner-friendly options.
Before choosing a distribution, check your graphics card. Resolve relies heavily on GPU acceleration, and NVIDIA or supported AMD hardware can make a major difference. For smooth 4K editing, you’ll likely want at least 32 GB of RAM, a fairly modern processor, a capable dedicated GPU, and an SSD for project files and cache.
If you already have a Windows computer, another practical option is to keep it for Lightroom and Resolve while using Linux as your main system. You can remotely stream the Windows desktop to the Linux machine with tools such as Sunshine and Moonlight. There will be some latency, but it avoids fighting with unsupported Adobe software.
CachyOS can also be approachable, but for DaVinci Resolve it’s safer to choose a distribution with more established support and documentation, such as Ubuntu or a compatible derivative.