I'm completely new to Linux and considering a move from Windows. My main work involves Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere, though I'm open to compatible alternatives if necessary. I also use Microsoft Word and Excel and play games through Steam. Ideally, I'd like to keep using the Adobe applications, but I'm trying to understand what is realistically supported.
My system has an Intel Core i5-13600K, Nvidia RTX 4070 Super, 96 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz with XMP, and an MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 motherboard. Which Linux distribution or setup would be easiest for a beginner while offering good hardware support, creative-software alternatives, and reliable Steam gaming? Would dual-booting be the better approach?
4 Answers
For professional Adobe-based work, Linux probably should not be your only operating system yet. GIMP and other alternatives are capable, but they may not match Photoshop or Illustrator closely enough, and video-editing projects can depend heavily on Adobe-specific features and file compatibility. A second computer or a dual-boot setup is more practical than spending a lot of time trying to force the Adobe applications to work.
If your goal is mainly to learn Linux, try a few beginner-friendly distributions from a bootable USB first. A tool that supports multiple ISO images makes this convenient. You can compare hardware detection, Nvidia driver setup, desktop environments, and overall comfort before installing anything. For creative work, alternatives such as GIMP, Krita, Inkscape, Kdenlive, and DaVinci Resolve may help, but they will not perfectly replace the Adobe workflow.
Your hardware should run Linux well, and Steam gaming works on most mainstream distributions. The bigger problem is Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere do not have reliable native Linux versions, and compatibility layers can be frustrating or incomplete. Games with kernel-level anti-cheat may also fail, so check your frequently played titles before switching.
I’d start with dual-booting rather than replacing Windows outright. Keep Windows available for Adobe and Microsoft Office, then install Linux on a separate drive or partition for learning, general use, and Steam games. That lets you test your workflow without risking your ability to work.
That sounds like the safest plan. I can try Linux while keeping Windows available, and I also have enough spare parts to build a second system later if I decide to separate the setups.