I decided to revisit Linux recently, a decision spurred by a desire to breathe new life into an old Dell XPS 15 laptop. This machine, though once high-powered with a Core i7 CPU and 32GB of RAM, had become sluggish under Windows, struggling with frequent updates and unmanageable fan noise. In 2024, I transitioned to an M1 MacBook Pro, but my intention was to give my child a device to practice typing on, leading me to reinstall Ubuntu—a return to my roots as a longtime Linux user.
Initially, I was enthusiastic, having used Ubuntu as my main operating system for 13 years across multiple laptops. My last experience with it had ended around 2017, as I shifted away due to the increasing demands of music production that Linux struggled to meet. However, in the time since, Linux had made impressive advancements, particularly in gaming, photo editing, and music production software.
While I had anticipated a straightforward installation, the process was riddled with familiar frustrations. Ubuntu’s installation was visually appealing, but as soon as I tried to dual-boot and repartition my hard drive, issues arose. Essential features like the fingerprint reader failed to operate, and I encountered EFI partition problems that complicated the update process. Additionally, installing apps was increasingly confusing, often requiring terminal use to identify errors that were silent during regular installations.
Even with well-supported software like Steam and Bitwig, getting everything operational was time-consuming and fraught with hiccups. Steam demanded patience, with detailed troubleshooting to achieve basic functionality. While Bitwig recognized my audio interface better than Steam, it still exhibited issues that detracted from the experience I had grown accustomed to on macOS.
Minimal functionality—like basic web browsing—worked seamlessly on Ubuntu, and there were clear performance improvements over Windows. Yet, I found that for tasks requiring more demanding software or streamlined solutions, macOS still held an edge. GIMP and Darktable provided robust editing options, but they paled in comparison to industry standards like Lightroom and Photoshop.
Ultimately, my return to Linux highlighted a fundamental issue: while Linux had evolved impressively and could handle many tasks competently, the overall experience often felt like a series of compromises. Despite its powerful capabilities, I realized that my needs had shifted beyond what Linux could comfortably provide, leading me to conclude that I need an operating system that prioritizes reliability over tinkering.
For more information on Ubuntu or to explore Linux options, visit Ubuntu.
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