In the end of November 2022 (1 year ago), I switched from MacOs to Linux (Debian with KDE Plasma) on my MacBook.
No regret! Was a very good decision.
I think, I’ll never go back.
Experience:
- I did not know about KDE Plasma until 1 year ago. The picture in my head about Linux was pretty much GNOME. I’m a huge fan of KDE Plasma now. KDE Plasma 6 in 2024 will probably be awesome.
- The GitHub repository “Awesome-Linux-Software” was awesome during the first weeks. It made me realize that most of the stuff I was already using, is also available for Linux. Only software I had to leave behind: Affinity Designer (IMO far more intuitive to use than GIMP, sorry FOSS community) and Visual Studio for Mac (which is dead anyway)
- The only advanced thing I had to do in the beginning: My WIFI connection is always gone when I close my MacBook, but there is not automatic reconnect when I reopen it. None of the usual stuff recommended when using Debian on a MacBook helped. So, I had to write a service that checks for this (something with rmmod, modprobe, brcmfmac, …). Probably too much for a casual user and hopefully not necessary for them…
TODO in the next year:
- Trying out gaming on Linux, maybe buying a Steam Deck
- Migrating to KDE Plasma 6 (and switching to Wayland)
- Recommending
our religionLinux to others
Affinity Designer is the only reason I have a Windows VM. I really wish I could get it fully working on WINE - I have it installed but it can’t save files.
How is it different from Krita? What does it do that isn’t done by FOSS?
I wouldn’t compare it to Krita - it’s more like Illustrator (or perhaps Inkscape if looking for a FOSS equivalent, although it isn’t quite up to par in terms of features or workflow).
Okay, thanks. Am just learning about the different art programs available.
No problem! I really wish Serif/Affinity would port their suite of apps to Linux. Although it’s proprietary software, their underdog status vs. Adobe would still be a good fit in the ecosystem, I think.
I switched from designer to Inkscape and for me it was perfectly fine.
I’m glad it worked out for you. In my case they are really not comparable, especially when working with text. Inkscape can’t even do bullet points or paragraph spacing.
You are right, text input is by far it’s weakest point. You can’t even make a text bold or in italics like you would normally do.