I'm really fed up with Windows because it feels distracting and unproductive for me. I truly enjoy using macOS, but I'm stuck with Windows on my desktop PC, and I want to make a change. My daily tasks include image editing, digital drawing, video editing, and 3D modeling specifically using Cinema 4D. However, I've heard mixed reviews on how well Linux works with NVIDIA drivers, which is a concern of mine. So, I wanted to ask: How reliable is Linux as a primary operating system, especially for creative work when using NVIDIA? Is it stable enough, or am I going to encounter continuous driver issues? I'd love to hear personal experiences, any recommendations for distributions, or tips that might help me transition to a distraction-free and productive setup.
5 Answers
While some replies here seem super positive, my experience was a mixed bag with NVIDIA. It usually works fine, but updates can break things now and then. I recommend using a beginner-friendly distro like PopOS, which comes with NVIDIA drivers pre-installed. Always back up your data before switching things around! Also, bear in mind, getting used to Linux might take some time to reaching that distraction-free productivity you're after.
I've been dual booting Fedora and Windows with an RTX 5080. The Linux drivers have been rock solid—way better than my experiences with Windows, where I constantly deal with bugs. I mainly keep Windows around for gaming because the video performance is just not there on Windows for me anymore.
I've been using Linux with an NVIDIA card for quite a while, and honestly, it works perfectly fine for me. Just choose the right distro, and you'll be good to go!
Absolutely! The bad stuff you hear is mostly over-exaggerated. Just pick a distro and you won't have any problems!
Totally agree, I have no complaints either!
You should be good with an NVIDIA setup as long as you avoid bleeding-edge distros. Most applications you mentioned should work, but be ready to explore alternatives or maybe figure out how to run them via Wine or similar. I've had some performance issues with VRAM hitting max, but overall, it's been stable for me, especially with solid distros like Mint or Fedora.
Totally! Linux has gotten way better in this regard, especially in the recent updates—most tasks work just fine if you have the right software.
Reliability-wise, I'd say it's like owning a Toyota—just keep up with simple maintenance and you're set. It usually runs smoothly, but new users might have some hiccups depending on their comfort level with Linux.
True, but just like with a car, if you're new to Linux, things can get tricky without some prior knowledge.
Great point about trying out Linux on a different device first or dual-booting if you're not sure. It makes the transition smoother.