I've been using Linux Mint on a spare laptop and I'm liking it more than Windows 10/11. I'm thinking about making the switch on my main PC, but I've got a few software staples: Maya, Substance Painter, and Photoshop. I also play games, mainly CS2, but I know that some games with kernel-level anti-cheats won't work on Linux. I'm okay with leaving those games behind if I can run my software without major issues. Is it feasible for someone with my requirements to fully transition to Linux?
5 Answers
You're likely not going to have a great time with Linux due to your specific software requirements. While Maya and Substance Painter can run on Linux, Photoshop is a tough one. You could consider dual-booting Windows for your Adobe software and using Linux Mint for everything else. Alternatively, you might have some luck with a virtual machine, but gaming could be an issue.
You should definitely try a live USB of Linux Mint first! It lets you test out Linux without fully committing. This way you can see how it handles all your important apps and games before making the switch. Just keep in mind that if you're using software like Photoshop, you'll probably need to stick with Windows or run it in a VM, which complicates things.
While some games can run on Linux via Proton, your specialized software needs might make sticking with Windows a better option. If you decide to try Linux, be prepared for a learning curve. There's a wealth of open-source software out there, and you might find some good alternatives to what you currently use, but this may take time and effort.
There’s no denying that Photoshop isn’t natively available on Linux, but you could give alternatives like Photopea a shot. For your games, if you're considering switching fully to Linux, check if they’re supported, and definitely look into ways to get Nvidia drivers installed and configured correctly for optimal performance. It may not be straightforward initially, so prepare for some troubleshooting!
If you really need to use Adobe products like Photoshop, you'll likely have to stick with Windows. Some older versions of Photoshop can be run through Wine, but that depends on which features you need. For a substitute, GIMP could work for some people, but if you need the latest updates for profit, it’s probably not a suitable replacement.
Using a VM for Windows can be tricky for gaming due to performance needs. But if you're set on Linux, exploring alternatives like running a second SSD with Windows might be better.