I have a couple thinkpads loaded with windows 11 pro, would it benefit me to switch them over to Linux? Would I be able to use all the essential programs (or equivalent programs) that I would need to cover all my bases?
Edit: I should probably include that I’m a complete noob as far as Linux goes. I have a decent handle on computers in the general but have never been close to being any sort of computer enthusiast. Basically, I understand what terminal is but have only used it with direct instruction.
25y pro, 10y with Ross in live events and now with a small integrator.
What programs do you need to run?
I’m more of a concert guy but I have some more AV work coming up. I definitely need wireless workbench and a media player, but also a Qlab equivalent (I guess obs could still work?) and whatever else you think I need as a 25y pro. What limitations do you see or experience as a Linux user?
Hey, sorry for the delay, I am glad to hear that @curbstickle@anarchist.nexus had Wireless Workbench running on wine because Proprietary software like that will be the biggest hangup.
For Qlab, how are you using it?
As for limitations, the biggest one will be stuff that is “industry standard” but was only ever developed for Mac & windows. Most stuff should run fine under wine or have an OSS/FOSS alternative worth using but specific tools that are by the MFG could be a problem.
https://flathub.org/en/apps/org.linuxshowplayer.LinuxShowPlayer Linux Show Player may be a good option to replace Qlab, but I have not used it personally.
If these systems are going to be deployed and used by other techs its not a bad idea to look at an immutable distro like Bazzite might be a good fit.
One aspect of Linux that is different from windows is you get to select your desktop environment, IE window, menu, default applications, ect. The two big ones are KDE (a highly customizable windows like interface) and Gnome ( a more Mac like interface but still customizable). There are dozens of other window managers but I would focus on those two since they will be good starting points.
Just to mention, workbench worked beautifully with wine last I tried it.
That said, I have a VM at the ready with win10 for anything that could annoy me in that moment. I recommend a USB Ethernet dongle dedicated to the VM and passed through at the ready for anything random (like needing DVS or something).
Media player, I’d say MPV especially if you learn the fun options you can leverage. Its more media player engine than a media player like vlc, but you can load an m3u playlist or use autoload.lua, change playback speed, grab a camera feed and play it out, switch profiles, create loops and clips, even listen to a playlist (on YouTube) with no video playback - all from the command line.
You might want to consider looking into what all the folks at the avlinux project support an are doing.
You’ve got Linux Show Player (https://github.com/FrancescoCeruti/linux-show-player?tab=readme-ov-file) that will do audio cues in a familiar way, if you’re used to Qlab.
I’ve got Resolume Arena working through WINE. It does require some tweaking to get it to start, and the preview monitors are a little glitchy, but fullscreen output and ArtNet input works just fine.
Been debating the same thing for my live setup. Bitfocus Companion runs on Linux and most programs I use seem to be as well. Windows is just such a pain in the ass these days.
My only issue would be for programming since Crestron isn’t supported on Linux, tho I could probably run it in docker or podman.
Just gonna leave this here.
I mean, if you’ve got spares, load one up and find out.
What are the specific model numbers or specs? That’s the deciding factor.
Intel i5-7500u @ 2.50GHz
8gb ram
64 bit x64-based processor
Does that tell you what you need?
Need the specific Thinkpad model #. Should be on the bottom.
20HE-S0EM00
