A Modern Linux Demo: Video Editing/Gaming/Etc...

Introduction

If you're a Windows or Mac user considering a transition to Linux, this article is tailored for you. I've recently been testing Linux Mint—a user-friendly distribution based on Ubuntu—for a few weeks. Here's an overview of my experience with this OS in 2024, focusing on its desktop environment, software installation, peripheral compatibility, and performance in gaming and video editing.

Overview of Linux Mint

I've been using Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon, a distribution that stands out for its ease of use, especially for those coming from Windows. The Cinnamon desktop environment provides a familiar interface, similar to Windows, making the transition smoother. For instance, pressing the Windows key brings up a user-friendly Start menu, complete with a host of UI features such as window snapping.

My hardware for this demo includes an AMD 5950XT graphics card and a X390 motherboard, thus allowing for a robust performance. I've updated to the latest Linux kernel (6.5) available for Mint and am running the X11 display server.

Hardware Compatibility

One of the standout features of Linux Mint is its impressive hardware compatibility. Upon launching the OS, everything just worked—my keyboard, mouse, multiple displays, and various peripherals like an Xbox controller and several audio interfaces. Even my Samsung network printer automatically appeared without any manual search.

However, for certain devices like my Huion input tablet, I required a driver from the manufacturer’s website. Yet, this mirrored the experience I had on Windows. The only notable limitation was the inability to mirror screens when using more than two displays, a challenge which can be overcome through advanced configurations.

Software Installation

Installing software on Linux is straightforward, whether the application is bundled with the distribution or available in repositories. Linux Mint features a software manager where I can easily search for applications. For example, to install VLC, I can choose between a native system package and a Flatpak version. The system package is smaller but may come with older versions, while Flatpaks include all necessary dependencies and are more up-to-date.

Essential Software Tested

1. OBS Studio: This popular screen capture tool was easily installed. Making sure I had the correct NVIDIA drivers was essential for optimal functioning.

2. Inkscape: For graphic design and thumbnail creation, this vector graphic software is well-supported on Linux, although some advanced features of Adobe products are lacking.

3. Da Vinci Resolve: This powerful video editing software is also natively available but has some quirks, especially with audio codecs like AAC. Interestingly enough, I had to switch to different export formats since exporting audio with MP4 containers created issues.

4. Gaming: I tested systems using Hell Divers 2, finding comparable performance to Windows. However, I noted that running OBS while gaming did lead to a more significant performance drop on Linux compared to Windows.

5. Fusion 360: CAD software is notoriously difficult to run on Linux, and while I managed to get it running through Wine, it was quite challenging—thus I recommend using a virtual machine for more reliable usage.

Performance Considerations

Overall, my experience with performance on Linux Mint has been positive. Most applications and games ran smoothly; however, I did notice a slight drop in frame rates when using OBS for game streaming. Linux posed about a 10-15% performance penalty compared to Windows, especially when recording gameplay.

That said, nearly all peripherals and software packages functioned with minimal friction, making for a surprisingly user-friendly experience for a new Linux user.

Conclusion

If you're hesitant about transitioning from Windows and are considering Linux Mint, I can confidently say it offers a decently seamless experience. I faced very few issues, and any configurations were straightforward. I encourage anyone on the fence to try running Linux Mint on a dual-boot setup for a couple of weeks.

Keywords

Linux Mint, Cinnamon, Ubuntu, Hardware Compatibility, Software Installation, OBS Studio, Inkscape, Da Vinci Resolve, Gaming, Fusion 360, Performance

FAQ

1. Is Linux Mint easy to transition to from Windows?
Yes, Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop environment is designed to provide a familiar interface for Windows users.

2. How is the hardware compatibility with Linux Mint?
Linux Mint supports a wide range of peripherals out of the box. Most devices are plug-and-play, and manual driver installation is only occasionally necessary.

3. Can I install popular software like OBS and Da Vinci Resolve on Linux Mint?
Yes, both OBS Studio and Da Vinci Resolve are readily available for Linux Mint, though you may encounter some compatibility quirks.

4. What should I do about CAD software on Linux?
For best results with CAD software like Fusion 360, it’s advisable to run a virtual machine with Windows, as running it directly on Linux can be challenging.

5. Is gaming performance on Linux Mint comparable to Windows?
While gaming performance on Linux Mint is generally good, users may experience up to a 20% decrease in FPS when using OBS to stream.