[NM] OT: Anybody working with musical Linux applications? need opinions

[Drew Smith (mux)]

On Sat, 2006-11-25 at 12:21 +0100, Sven Roehrig wrote:
> Interesting... I still have a Atari in the studio because i like a  
> particular software...
> I wonder if anybody has used Linux themself here on the list...

I've been a fulltime Linux network administrator by trade for the
past... eleven years or so?  Linux has been my primary desktop (I'm
using it to write this email, even) since 1994.  I never even saw
Windows 98 or 2000. :)

That being said, when I chose to replace my Amiga 2000HD studio
computer, I evaluated a lot of software and ended up going to Logic on
PC, and later on switching to Ableton Live.  Yes, there are some pretty
good Linux audio apps out there, but frankly, Linux is my day job, and
the idea of having to futz about with tricky audio configurations,
semi-supported and unsupported audio hardware and flaky opensource apps
in the studio just makes me... not want to go into the studio.

If you're computer literate and love a good technical challenge, Linux
can be *tremendously* rewarding - having the ability to dig right down
into the nuts and bolts and tame the machine from within is very
liberating and empowering!  Personally, though, I need to make music to
get away from the 40-60 hours a week I spend with computers, and want
something that "just works".  I can walk up to my studio computer with
my accoustic guitar, and three mouseclicks later I'm making music.  That
is much more important to me than exploring the world of strange and new
software.

The 'Planet CCRMA' project is a very good base for Linux audio beginners
straight through to experts, but don't expect any handholding!
Everything you need to learn Linux is easily available on the internet,
you just have to seek out and read the manuals, post *specific*
questions on forums, and adopt the Linux 'DIY' mindset.  A computer
should behave the way *you* tell it to, and if it doesn't, it's because
you're not properly giving it instructions. :)

Cheers,
- Drew.

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