which distro/flavor for audio?

SoftMoon WebWare

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Aloha!
I tried Ubuntu with Gnome on my old HP Pavilion. It sucked. I whined about it in another thread, but again:
#1 problem: the video manager simply failed. Seems like an "X-Windows" problem, but may be the Firefox implementation. Its been a couple years now, and I can't remember for sure if it was not system-wide, only limited to Firefox drivers. Complex websites with "parts" that normally should overlap other "parts" (pop-ups, etc) looked like they were cut randomly into pieces, and then these pieces were randomly arranged on the screen, some overlapping others. An unreadable mess.
#2 problem: the code-editor I use, Komodo Edit, took a full 30 seconds to start-up, as opposed to 5 secs on Windows 7. The computer is locked up at that time, no idea if anything is actually happening or starting.....
#3 problem: Komodo Edit, at seemingly random times, had the same problem as Firefox, with it's display window all cut up and jumbled. Komodo Edit says it uses the Firefox engine for display, but imports it's own stable, unchanging version. Again, a Firefox issue, or the X-Windows system in Linux? Komodo Edit 10 works flawlessly on Window 7, but is now at version 12, which does not support Windows 7. That was a main reason I wanted to move to Linux.
#4 problem: Firefox kept warning me an update was available, and I kept telling it no. Eventually, it decided (I think it was 15 days?) it wouldn't wait anymore, and updated. It warned me that it would, for the previous 15 days. Then it worked less reliably. I couldn't find any option to control updates for Firefox.
#5 problem: the entire OS took unreasonably long to boot-up.
#6 problem: I write software for websites. I installed Apache, which came packaged with Ubuntu, for local development purposes. Then because Ubuntu thinks that my personal laptop is a top-secret government computer used in the President's office, I have to use the terminal, and type in my password FOR EVERY SINGLE FILE I want to move into the .htdocs folder so they can be served locally. EVERY TIME I make an update, which can be, oh, every 20 seconds or so at times. I can not simply edit the file using my editor to save it in the proper place. Eventually, I learned how to --- pipe ? --- is that the right term? --- files from another folder into the server's folder. This time I will set up an entire drive partition only for Apache on Windows (using the XAMPP package) and pipe the files from there. That way Linus does not have to mess with the Windows 7 partition. The Linux Kernel seems fine with file systems, (only desktop graphical user interfaces seem to give problems from what I've seen), but I would rather not risk Linux messing with Windows.
#7 problem: same really as #6: security levels are way to extreme. It's just my personal laptop. Not a multi-user mainframe server. I don't leave it sitting on my desk in a busy office, turned on while I use the toilet, allowing nefarious people from a competing department to download nefarious software on it. It is password protected when turned on. Good enough.
#8 problem: first time I used the word processor (was it Open Office or Libra Office, I forget; whatever came in the package) I wrote a page or two and then the whole computer crashed, OS and all (haven't seen that since the days of Windows ME!). Lost hours of work. You would think that the "auto-save" feature would be turned on by default. Took me a while later to even find that option.
#9 problem: there was some other option in the OS that was "hidden" from me (I forget now) that was very frustrating. About the time I gave up on Ubuntu altogether was the time I found that option. Something about folders............
That's what I remember, anyways....

So now I wiped that drive clean, re-installed my OEM Windows 7 fresh, and am ready for another try at a dual-boot machine with another flavor of Linux.

On Windows, I used Steinberg's Wavelab LE for audio editing, and I loved it. I also used Roxio's products, but they are limited and buggy in-use, and annoying in how they lock-up my computer's entire file-sytem for 45 seconds anytime I insert a new CD. However, Steinberg uses some proprietary licensing manager that is a real PITA to use. My old license is not working, despite their assurances it would for LIFE. I tried to log in to their Account Manager, and it rejects my password. I tried to reset my password, and it says I can not reuse the old password. I tried the old password again, and it says wrong password "too many times" and blocked me. But that's another problem; it's just pushing me back to Linux.

I tried to ask this similar question before, and got a bunch of useless advertising from proponents of various flavors, none of which actually addressed the problems or requirements I was asking for, or flubbered while trying to do so without actually solving those problems or explaining why they occur.

Now I can't even find a website or page that actually compares distros side by side. Though I saw that before.

One (or more?) of those folks before mentioned Mint Linux. It stuck in my head 'cause I like mints. I went to their website, and it says "OOOHHH! AAAHHHH NICE!" but says absolutely nothing about what comes in the package.

On previous posts, I was asking if the KDE desktop might have better "X-Windows" support (vs. the Gnome desktop with Ubuntu). Nothing but folks who like to see their post-count numbers grow responded.

Now I can't even find a place that tells me which distros use KDE vs. Gnome. Even Mint's site says nothing about it. Some other site said there are two versions, one with KDE, one with Gnome, yet Mint's site says ........nothing.......

And maybe a distro made for personal computers (my laptop), not one with maximum security where I have to have a prybar and carbide-tipped drill to get to my files. Even it I only had to type my password once to access a folder, would be OK. But not for every file every time. That is so ridiculous.

But I would also like a distro that comes with a server and basic audio-editing software in the package, similar to Wavelab LE or Roxio Sound-Editor.

So.... a distro with KDE and audio-editing software? Open Office or Libra Office would be nice, too. And Firefox.
Any hints?
 


Komodo Edit 12.0.1.18441 Code editor app for Windows

1. was the download verified
was secure boot disabled
The firefox included in any distribution will work in that distro....there were obvioulsy other problems

2. Komodo. where dis you download this from
Komodo Edit 12.0.1.18441 Code editor app for Windows

3.ditto no.2

4.Firefox generally doesnt do that....not on linux. you didnt update for 15 days?...regardless of whether it was a security update ?
That is a windows approach. Updates are sent out for a reason
So now I wiped that drive clean, re-installed my OEM Windows 7 fresh, and am ready for another try at a dual-boot machine with another flavor of Linux.
So now you are running an out of date unsupported windows system.

You are making a rod for your own back. The thing about Linux is....the approach is relatively simple...or it can be.

The hard part is probably losing the windows mindset

 
 
the advanced search aspect of https://distrowatch.com/ will let you filter to see what distros default to gnome, kde, etc. not sure which distro is best for audio creation/editing though.
That is a real answer! Thank you! Haven't tried it yet, but will shortly. Didn't see the advanced filter the first time.

When I looked 2 or 3 years ago, when I decided on Ubuntu, I had no problem finding detailed info, and saw a package that was for digital media creation. I went with "commonly used distro with commonly used apps". Now, I just keep getting sent in circles by Google.
 
What are the specs of the computer that you are trying to install Linux on?
Intel I7-2630QM (8 cores) @ 2GHz
6GB ram
2 * 1TB Sata SSD drives
Intel HD graphics family - w/ 15-pin trapezoid video, and HDMI external interfaces
(15-pin supports full 1080p; but for some reason, HDMI downgraded the signal to 1600*900 - could it be a lame cable that I got cheap on clearance? I never got to that point of investigation)
Laptop monitor is 17.5", 1600*900.
BD-ROM DVD-burner
4 USB ports
ethernet port
mic jack
stereo headset with mic jack
external stereo speakers jack
Beats Audio soundboard & speakers

Just had the keyboard and fan replaced, and the board cleaned.

I don't want to use the onboard soundboard for recording external audio through the mic jack. In fact, I had them physically disconnect the camera and mic combo when they had the laptop apart.
 
Komodo Edit 12.0.1.18441 Code editor app for Windows

1. was the download verified
was secure boot disabled
The firefox included in any distribution will work in that distro....there were obvioulsy other problems

2. Komodo. where dis you download this from
Komodo Edit 12.0.1.18441 Code editor app for Windows

3.ditto no.2

4.Firefox generally doesnt do that....not on linux. you didnt update for 15 days?...regardless of whether it was a security update ?
That is a windows approach. Updates are sent out for a reason

So now you are running an out of date unsupported windows system.

You are making a rod for your own back. The thing about Linux is....the approach is relatively simple...or it can be.

The hard part is probably losing the windows mindset

#1. I downloaded it directly from Active State's website. I don't know anything about "disabling secure boot". In Linux? In the system BIOS? WHY do that?
Or are you asking me about the Linux download? I thought I got it from a reputable source. Not a typical fool here. But I don't remember now. What ever it was, I had a dual-boot system installed.

#2. same place.
#3. hmmmm..... same place.... or what do you mean? HUH?

#4. Updates are not good when you don't have a secure internet connection.

Yea, good ol' Windows 7, not the **** they have today. This website is one of the most dangerous that I will visit, with modern Firefox sandboxing their code. No, not MSIE. Firefox was perfect, but now they are no longer supporting W7.

I have old software from back in the Windows ME and Windows XP days. They don't make this software anymore. It has functionality that I don't find in any other Windows software. Will Linux offer me a quality, equally powerful alternative? IDK because I can't seem to find out how to support my ---- graphics card? Or what is the problem with that? Or why does the OS crash when all I'm doing is typing a letter in the word processor?

Thanks, but in that case, I'll stick to the OEM Windows install that you just want to bash without examples of why. It works. With proper CARE it is relatively safe.

But, yea, I would like to move to Linux. That's why I'm here.

If you have real info to share, not just pointless questions and choice bashing, please respond.
 
The links in Condobloke's post, to Komodo Edit, are NOT what I would recommend, nor is that where I downloaded the code from.
In fact, they look very nefarious.
 
The links in Condobloke's post, to Komodo Edit, are NOT what I would recommend, nor is that where I downloaded the code from.
In fact, they look very nefarious.
You refer to a link from / as nefarious? Really?
 
have a read....you may learn something

 
forums that block only half of my posts for over an hour for "approval", while showing others are very difficult to use.
 
I tried the "advanced search" feature that was mentioned above. My "thanks" response to that post is still blocked at this writing.

It really gave me some lame options.

I came back to this site, back to the download tab, and saw Kubuntu, and remembered it is Ubuntu with KDE. A bit of poking around on their website verified this (why Mint tells me nothing, IDK, but I'm not eating that without an ingredients list).

That is a good place to start. I thought before (years ago) I saw a package that was specifically oriented to media creation, but I don't have a month to find it.
 
You're new.

For a while, posts with links in them are blocked until they're approved by a mod.

If an hour is more than you can bear, you might want to follow through with your 'bye' remark and seek assistance elsewhere.

You will also be civil while you're here. We work hard to ensure civility is maintained. There's a reason why we're the #1 result when you search for 'Linux'.
 
For pro level audio recording on Linux, I mostly use Ardour (100% free DAW). But I also use the Linux version of Reaper, because the members of one of my bands use it on Windows. So it makes it easier to collaborate on projects.

On my laptop, I’m currently using Debian (still on Debian 11 stable, I haven’t upgraded to 12 yet!).
On my desktop, I’m using the latest LTS release of Ubuntu Studio (24.04).

Hardware-wise I have two main USB audio interfaces. A Two channel Digidesign MBox2 for when I just want to plug in a guitar and quickly record riff ideas. And an 8 mic input Behringer UMC1820 for more complex projects. I also have a Behringer ADA8200, which I can connect to the ADAT interface on my UMC1820, to give me an extra 8 input channels. Giving me a maximum of 16 physical mic inputs/channels for recording drums or even my whole band at rehearsals.

Everything works almost completely out of the box in Linux. Mostly plug and play. I did have to edit some config files in order to get access to all of the channels on the ADA8200. I’ve put those changes into a script, so I can reapply them if I ever have to reinstall Linux. (Which reminds me, I need to set up a remote git repository on my notabug.org account, so I have an off-site backup of that script!)

Setting everything up to record in your DAW can also be a bit of a pain in Linux sometimes too. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad.

Generally speaking, I set all of the hardware up, plug in all of the necessary microphones. Turn on the hardware, then turn on the PC. Then start a new recording session in Ardour/Reaper using the desired hardware and get it to automatically add and record-arm channels for every detected input. I also use a patchbay application for routing audio. I forget its name offhand.
That comes in handy if I’m using any plugins, or extra signal processing programs in my projects.

For example, if I want to run a guitar input through Guitarix to add distortion, or effects, I can re-route that channel of my audio interface as an input to guitarix and then send the output from guitarix as an input to the relevant channel in Ardour/Reaper.

But for recording, you will need a fairly decent PC/laptop with at least 8Gb of RAM. My laptop is a first gen i3 with 8Gb of RAM. My desktop is a first gen i7 with 16Gb of RAM. Both record smoothly, with low latency and no stuttering/buffering problems. Even when recording 16 channels at once.
 
@SoftMoon WebWare :-

Whilst totally agreeing with @KGIII - civility maketh the man, and politeness costs nothing - I'm also curious. Are you

  • finding fault with the forum?
  • finding fault with the membership?
  • finding fault with Linux in general?
  • Or are you really looking for a distro that looks and behaves exactly like Windows, and lets you run ALL your Windows software?

You won't find it. What YOU want is called "Windows", and is created & distributed by Microsoft.....who are based at One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington.

As others here have already noted, you're making a rod for your own back.....mainly through insisting on sticking with paid-for, proprietary software, written by people who have only ever coded for Windows, and have no intention of changing their business model for anyone. But that's YOUR choice, and it's not our place to castigate you for doing that.

Linux is as hard - or as easy! - as you choose to make it. If you're prepared to dive-in & "get your hands dirty".....and above all, think OUTSIDE "the box".....you'd be amazed at what you can do with it. I haven't used Whinedoze for over a decade, and I certainly don't miss it. I code, re-package software, script & create utilities for myself AND the 'Puppy' Linux community, along with having a lifelong passion for graphic design....creating all my own desktops (including background wallpapers) from scratch.

I moderate on the Puppy forum, help out with the noobs, and dispense advice as & where I can.

I don't have time to "whine". I'm too busy having more fun than I've had for better than the last three decades.

I just don't think Linux is for you, however. Not everyone CAN persevere and make the switch; at that, you're in good company. I reckon you'd be far happier staying right where you are.

Sorry an' all that, but I'm a blunt-spoken Yorkshireman. I don't believe in mincing my words. I tell it like it is.....and if that offends you, tough.

You'll come to realise that nobody who posts on any Linux forum, criticising the system AND the people, is welcomed with "open arms". It's not a good way to endear yourself to ANY community.

(shrug...)


Mike. o_O ;)
 
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