We asked our readers what they think of Windows 11's forced Microsoft account requirement, and the answer is clear. Too bad it's not on the official list of improvements coming to the OS in 2026.
For now I’m happy with Windows 10 LTSC on my main rig. I use Debian on my laptop and Ubuntu on my server. I don’t know what I’ll do in 2032 when LTSC support ends. I’d like to go to Debian on my main rig but some software simply won’t work without hassle (if at all). I hope that changes until then, I love Debian with KDE Plasma.
Not Native Instruments though (their VST’s should work but I can’t get Native Access to run). And I don’t run any VST’s that need iLok.
Yabridge has a bug with wine versions later than (I think) 9.22, where the VST thinks the mouse is in another place than it really is.
Solutions are : make sure the VST window is at 0,0, or use an older version of wine, or there is a patch for yabridge that works in most cases, but hasn’t been merged in yet. I’m running that.
I know tons of vst’s work on Linux, just not the one I use. The problem is people need specific software not that just any software in that class.
Sorry but this is what irks me when people say not everything will work on Linux. There’s always someone saying “but you have alternative on Linux” like every program is the same.
You can’t expect someone that uses Photoshop professionally to just start using Gimp in an industry where Photoshop is the standard that everyone uses. Gimp, while impressive, is not Photoshop and requires a totally different workflow. And it’s simply not doable when you’re working with people using and expecting Photoshop. You also can’t expect someone to have to tinker with their PC every time, just to work. People that use their PC to work need it to be reliable. People that use computers as a tool, not to make a political statement.
In my case, I know there are vst’s on Linux. They just don’t have the quality that Amplitube has. And you can’t tell people to “just switch, bro” when they already paid for Amplitube. For these people, at least for now, Windows is pretty much the only option.
Sorry for the rant, I’m done.
Like someone said here, by 2032 wine will run all that. That’s where my hopes are. When that happens more people will use Linux (I know I will) and with more users more companies will start making native Linux versions. Things have already improved tremendously in the last 15 years. I truly believe there will be a critical point soon that will make explode Linux adoption.
But, for now, you have to understand Linux is not yet an option for some specific needs.
For now I’m happy with Windows 10 LTSC on my main rig. I use Debian on my laptop and Ubuntu on my server. I don’t know what I’ll do in 2032 when LTSC support ends. I’d like to go to Debian on my main rig but some software simply won’t work without hassle (if at all). I hope that changes until then, I love Debian with KDE Plasma.
By 2032 Wine will probably be advanced enough to run any Windows program
Out of curiosity, what software? It won’t run with Wine? Maybe there’s a decent enough alternative?
The Adobe stuff, Vst’s, etc.
Tons of VST’s work using yabridge.
Not Native Instruments though (their VST’s should work but I can’t get Native Access to run). And I don’t run any VST’s that need iLok.
Yabridge has a bug with wine versions later than (I think) 9.22, where the VST thinks the mouse is in another place than it really is.
Solutions are : make sure the VST window is at 0,0, or use an older version of wine, or there is a patch for yabridge that works in most cases, but hasn’t been merged in yet. I’m running that.
I know tons of vst’s work on Linux, just not the one I use. The problem is people need specific software not that just any software in that class.
Sorry but this is what irks me when people say not everything will work on Linux. There’s always someone saying “but you have alternative on Linux” like every program is the same.
You can’t expect someone that uses Photoshop professionally to just start using Gimp in an industry where Photoshop is the standard that everyone uses. Gimp, while impressive, is not Photoshop and requires a totally different workflow. And it’s simply not doable when you’re working with people using and expecting Photoshop. You also can’t expect someone to have to tinker with their PC every time, just to work. People that use their PC to work need it to be reliable. People that use computers as a tool, not to make a political statement.
In my case, I know there are vst’s on Linux. They just don’t have the quality that Amplitube has. And you can’t tell people to “just switch, bro” when they already paid for Amplitube. For these people, at least for now, Windows is pretty much the only option.
Sorry for the rant, I’m done.
Like someone said here, by 2032 wine will run all that. That’s where my hopes are. When that happens more people will use Linux (I know I will) and with more users more companies will start making native Linux versions. Things have already improved tremendously in the last 15 years. I truly believe there will be a critical point soon that will make explode Linux adoption.
But, for now, you have to understand Linux is not yet an option for some specific needs.