First Linux Build in decades...

So after about 20 years, I decided to dip my toes back into the Linux waters.

I was genuinely impressed with the platform's performance; I'd estimate that approximately 95% of the core functionality and essential tools were readily available and operated precisely as anticipated. The transition was remarkably smooth for most of my workflows.

Project Scope:

• Find some old hardware to reuse for this project. 

• Build and test using a Linux Distro as a daily driver. 

• Choose OS - Decided on Ubuntu 25.10

• Choose DE - KDE

Hardware: HP Z420 Workstation

• 3 Internal 3.5” Bays ( 2 x 255 SSD and 1 x 7200 RPM SATA HD)

• 8 DIMM Slots for DDR3 ECC Memory = 28 GB

• 600W, 90% Efficient Power Supply

• Rear I/O: Rear Power Button & LED, PS/2 Ports, 1 1394a, 4

• USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, 1 RJ-45 to Integrated GbE, 1 Audio Line

• In 1 Audio Line Out, 1 Microphone

• Intel Xeon Processors E5-1600 family (4C/6C) or E5-2600

• family (8C)

• 2 PCIe x16 Gen3 Slots

• 1 PCIe x8 Gen3, 1 PCIe x8(x4) Gen2, 1 PCIe x4(x1) Gen2, 1 PCI

• Slot

• 6 Internal USB 2.0 Ports

• 10 SATA Ports

• ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 OC (4GB)

• USB Wifi 6 Adapter

• USB BT Adapter

 Details:

After some experimenting, I chose to install KDE because it suited my workflow better. I realized that while I was trying to mimic macOS, it was actually holding me back from fully embracing this experience without my preconceived notions about an operating system. Once I had all the visual tweaks and widgets set up and configured, I felt ready to dive in and truly give the OS a chance to become my daily driver.

I was genuinely impressed with the platform's performance; I'd estimate that approximately 95% of the core functionality and essential tools were readily available and operated precisely as anticipated. The transition was remarkably smooth for most of my workflows. 

Seeing as it has been nearly 20 years, it was a pleasant surprise to see how far Linux has progressed. Testing Debian, Mint, OpenSUSE & Ubuntu ultimately led me to choose Ubuntu 25.10, as it had the best hardware support for the setup I was running.

What I discovered:

However, a couple of significant hurdles did impede a complete and seamless experience. The most notable adjustment was the complete absence of Adobe Creative Cloud applications. While the platform offered numerous open-source alternatives for design, photo editing, and video production—and these were certainly capable—it's disingenuous to pretend they are equivalent. Adobe, for better or worse, remains the undisputed industry gold standard. Its comprehensive feature set, professional-grade output, and ubiquitous presence in creative fields make its substitutes, no matter how good, merely a stopgap. For tasks requiring advanced collaboration, highly specific file format compatibility, or access to cutting-edge features, the lack of Adobe was a considerable limitation.

A significant secondary challenge is the intermittent stability of my Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. This technical issue is a persistent source of frustration, as it disrupts my workflow and requires multiple attempts to establish and maintain a connection. Critically, I am unable to pass traffic over the established tunnel, which is the core of the problem. I am actively working to diagnose the root cause, which may be a local configuration error, ISP interference, or a server-side setting, as this remains an unresolved technical obstacle.

Final thoughts:

In conclusion, this has been an exciting project. Revisiting an OS ecosphere I haven't engaged with for a long time has been a positive challenge. It has rekindled my passion for using technology for enjoyment, not just work.

- TheMacrat