I recently switched to Linux and chose Arch Linux, but I'm encountering a lot of challenges, particularly with software installations like DaVinci Resolve. Some required dependencies aren't available through the package manager, and attempts to compile them result in failures after long waits. I'm feeling pretty frustrated and am considering switching to a different distribution. As a developer looking for window management similar to Hyperland, and someone who does image, audio, and video editing, plus occasional gaming, what Linux distribution would you recommend for my needs?
5 Answers
You don't necessarily have to change distros! You could use Distrobox to handle your software needs, especially if you're into development. Arch has some awesome tools available that might surprise you!
For your purpose, you might want to skip Arch for now—it can be a bit tricky for running professional software. Debian, Kubuntu, or Fedora could be much easier for your needs!
DaVinci Resolve is available in the Arch AUR repository. After installing yay, you can fetch it from there. However, keep in mind that you'll need to resolve its missing dependencies, which could lead to errors if you're not familiar with the process. If you're facing issues, that could be a sign that Arch might not be the best choice for you right now!
Have you checked out some resources for distro recommendations? It might help to look at guides designed for selecting the right distribution. But honestly, if you're looking for something more user-friendly while still being based on Arch, consider Garuda with the Hyprland window manager. It provides a better experience for professional software like DaVinci Resolve!
Make sure you're using tools like yay for installing DaVinci Resolve, especially since some of its dependencies might not be in the main repository anymore. You should find a list of these dependencies on the AUR website. Just a heads up, the non-studio version doesn’t support certain codecs like MP4, so that could complicate things further. If you're just starting out with Linux, distros like Mint or Fedora could be a smoother experience!
I agree! Mint is super friendly for beginners. Also, if you’re struggling with DaVinci, maybe check out Kdenlive as an alternative for video editing.

Yes, I tried that, but it still failed with exit code 4 when I attempted to install the dependencies. It's just too complicated.