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+1 to this -- invested in a desktop earlier this year to tinker more with ML projects, and dual-booted Windows and Linux (Ubuntu 18 LTS) on separate SSDs with s

+1 to this -- invested in a desktop earlier this year to tinker more with ML projects, and dual-booted Windows and Linux (Ubuntu 18 LTS) on separate SSDs with separate HDs for data storage for each system. I have spent 95% of my time in Linux, and only get into Windows for a game or two that I haven't bothered to figure out a Windows VM setup for. Definitely recommend Linux for those looking for dev machine alternatives to a Mac. There are certain finiticky things when setting up, and it doesn't have the immense MacOS polish, but I would say it's 80-90% of the way there to a good, intuitive dev machine that gives you a very similar experience to a Mac programming setup. Note, I'm referring to a desktop setup, no idea about how it works with laptop hardware and I have a MBP for my portable needs.

hanklazard 6y ago
re: linux laptops, I'm writing this from one of the new Lenovo Carbon X1 models that comes pre-installed with Ubuntu. I prefer pop!_os (except for the name) so I installed that when I first got the machine, and it's worked with no issues. I've had it for a few weeks and zero complaints. The fingerprint reader even works with linux, which wasn't the case on my previous gen CX1 laptops. Let me also just say that I am basically at the point where I may soon recommend a pop!_os machine to my parents (who are in their late 60's and have limited abilities on computers). Given that I'll personally be on the hook for any and all tech support, take that as a strong vote of confidence!
- mnahkies 6y ago
  I setup Debian on an old desktop for my mum a few years back, and she was able to use it happily with no issues or support from me - for the average person that just wants a web browser and some word processing it works great! When it comes to development I find it immensely better, and found that it has also made me much more confident when I poke around on servers - no context switching between my local environment and remote. The only thing I miss is Adobe lightroom, but I don't do so much photography these days so it's not a deal breaker
  - utxaa 6y ago
    wsl2? eat your cake, and have it.
  - aruggirello 6y ago
    I've used Bibble 4/5 in the past (a decade ago!), which was cross platform and worked on Linux, and has evolved into Corel AfterShot Pro - still cross-platform and working on Linux. Maybe not as famous and powerful as Lightroom, but it's a pretty solid software.
MayeulC 6y ago
> I have spent 95% of my time in Linux, and only get into Windows for a game or two that I haven't bothered to figure out a Windows VM setup for. Have you tried Steamplay/proton (https://www.protondb.com/ https://www.protondb.com/) or Lutris? (https://lutris.net/ https://lutris.net/)
- FullyFunctional 6y ago
  I second that. It's oddly under-advertised and not installed by default, but it works amazingly well. However, I still pay Ferral for their full ports to support the effort (most recently Shadow of the Tomb Raider).

hanklazard 6y ago

re: linux laptops, I'm writing this from one of the new Lenovo Carbon X1 models that comes pre-installed with Ubuntu. I prefer pop!_os (except for the name) so I installed that when I first got the machine, and it's worked with no issues. I've had it for a few weeks and zero complaints. The fingerprint reader even works with linux, which wasn't the case on my previous gen CX1 laptops. Let me also just say that I am basically at the point where I may soon recommend a pop!_os machine to my parents (who are in their late 60's and have limited abilities on computers). Given that I'll personally be on the hook for any and all tech support, take that as a strong vote of confidence!

mnahkies 6y ago
I setup Debian on an old desktop for my mum a few years back, and she was able to use it happily with no issues or support from me - for the average person that just wants a web browser and some word processing it works great! When it comes to development I find it immensely better, and found that it has also made me much more confident when I poke around on servers - no context switching between my local environment and remote. The only thing I miss is Adobe lightroom, but I don't do so much photography these days so it's not a deal breaker
- utxaa 6y ago
  wsl2? eat your cake, and have it.
- aruggirello 6y ago
  I've used Bibble 4/5 in the past (a decade ago!), which was cross platform and worked on Linux, and has evolved into Corel AfterShot Pro - still cross-platform and working on Linux. Maybe not as famous and powerful as Lightroom, but it's a pretty solid software.

MayeulC 6y ago

> I have spent 95% of my time in Linux, and only get into Windows for a game or two that I haven't bothered to figure out a Windows VM setup for. Have you tried Steamplay/proton (https://www.protondb.com/ https://www.protondb.com/) or Lutris? (https://lutris.net/ https://lutris.net/)

FullyFunctional 6y ago
I second that. It's oddly under-advertised and not installed by default, but it works amazingly well. However, I still pay Ferral for their full ports to support the effort (most recently Shadow of the Tomb Raider).