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Gaming on Linux vs Windows: A Year of Gaming on Both OS

Gaming on Linux vs Windows: A Year of Gaming on Both OS

After spending a full year gaming side by side on both Linux and Windows, I finally reached my own verdict in the long-running Linu...

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Gaming on Linux vs Windows: A Year of Gaming on Both OS

Gaming on Linux vs Windows: A Year of Gaming on Both OS

Linux vs Windows Gaming: A Year of Gaming on Both OS

After spending a full year gaming side by side on both Linux and Windows, I finally reached my own verdict in the long-running Linux vs Windows gaming debate. Hi, my name is Abdullah Musa, and welcome to Musabase.

If you missed the setup guides, I’ve covered the essential tools in detail: Steam & Proton, Bottles, and Wine. Now, after using them for a full year, I tested everything from competitive titles to AAA games, modding, and performance tuning. Windows still dominates with native support and zero setup friction, but Linux has evolved into a serious gaming platform, offering impressive performance, better system control, and surprisingly smooth compatibility through tools like Proton and Wine.

Windows Games on Linux (Part 3): Wine Setup, DXVK, Prefix & Performance

Windows Games on Linux (Part 3): Wine Setup, DXVK, Prefix & Performance

Windows Games and Applications on Linux Part 3: Wine Setup Guide

Steam and Bottles are convenient. But sometimes you want raw control.

Welcome back to MusaBase. In Part 1 of this series, I covered Steam and Proton with Proton-GE. In Part 2, I showed how to run non‑Steam games using Bottles. Both are fantastic for getting started.

Now, in Part 3, we go deeper. This guide focuses on installing and configuring Wine directly on Arch Linux, no wrappers, no abstractions. Just you, a terminal, and full control over every Windows game or application you run.

When I first ran a game with raw Wine, I was nervous. I typed the command, held my breath, and… it worked. It wasn’t pretty at first, but the feeling of understanding exactly what was happening under the hood was addictive. That’s what this guide is about: giving you that same control and understanding.

Along the way, we’ll also set up:

  • Installing Wine system‑wide with multilib support
  • Managing Wine prefixes manually and with WineGUI
  • Setting up DXVK and VKD3D for DirectX performance
  • Installing essential Windows components (VC++ runtimes, .NET, DirectX, fonts) using winetricks
  • Running games from terminal and WineGUI
  • Understanding Wine architecture and its role in Proton / Bottles

This guide is for users who want deeper system‑level control, cleaner setups, and a better understanding of how Windows compatibility works on Linux.

Windows Games on Linux (Part 2): Running Non-Steam Games with Bottles (Epic, GOG, EXEs)

Windows Games on Linux (Part 2): Running Non-Steam Games with Bottles (Epic, GOG, EXEs)

Windows Games on Arch Linux (Part 2): Bottles Setup for Windows Games and Application

Your Steam library runs perfectly. But those Epic freebies? GOG classics? They’re gathering digital dust.

If you’re an Arch Linux user who wants to play everything without dual-booting, you’re in the right place.

Welcome back to MusaBase. In Part 1, we used Proton to run Steam titles. Now we move beyond Steam.

This guide shows you how to run non-Steam Windows games and applications on Linux, including Epic Games Store titles, GOG offline installers, and standalone .exe files using Bottles.

Bottles provides a clean, user-friendly way to create isolated environments for Windows games and applications on Arch Linux. It simplifies setup, configuration, and runner management so you can focus on actually playing your games.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Install Bottles using Flatpak and AUR
  • Configure Bottles for gaming and application use
  • Install and launch Epic Games Store titles
  • Run standalone .exe files and already installed Windows games
  • Fix common launching and compatibility issues
Windows Games on Linux (Part 1): Complete Steam and Proton Setup

Windows Games on Linux (Part 1): Complete Steam and Proton Setup

How to Set Up Arch Linux for Gaming: A Comprehensive Guide

Running Windows games on Linux is no longer experimental. With Steam and Proton, many modern Windows titles now run reliably on Linux, making it a practical gaming platform.

Welcome to MusaBase. In this first part of the Windows Games on Linux series, I show how I run Windows games on my daily-use Linux system using Steam for games and Proton for compatibility. I'm using Arch Linux btw, but you can treat it as a reference rather than a requirement.

This guide focuses on real-world setup and playability, not benchmarks or FPS chasing.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Enable Multilib support on Arch Linux
  • Install Steam, Proton, and ProtonUp-Qt
  • Understand Steam vs Steam Native Runtime
  • Configure Proton properly for Windows titles
  • Use ProtonDB to improve compatibility
  • Install and test real Windows games on Linux
  • Avoid common mistakes when gaming on Linux

Series: Once Steam is fully set up, continue to Part 2: Running Non-Steam Games with Bottles (Epic, GOG, EXEs).

Windows vs Linux: A Year of Using Both Operating Systems

Windows vs Linux: A Year of Using Both Operating Systems

Windows vs Linux comparison after a year of use

After using a dual-boot setup with Linux and Windows 11 for a year, I tested both operating systems for tasks ranging from gaming to content creation, software testing, and running virtual machines. Windows excels at letting you plug-and-run anything you want, but when it comes to complex setups or technical workflows like GPU passthrough, Linux offers superior speed, flexibility, and reliability.

Windows Not Showing in GRUB on Arch Linux? Fix Dual Boot Step-by-Step

Windows Not Showing in GRUB on Arch Linux? Fix Dual Boot Step-by-Step

Windows Not Showing in GRUB on Arch Linux? Fix Dual Boot Properly

If you installed Arch Linux alongside Windows and expected a clean dual boot menu, chances are you ran into a frustrating surprise. You boot your system, GRUB shows up, but Windows is missing. No option to boot into Windows, no clear error, and no explanation of what went wrong.

This is a very common issue on Arch Linux. Unlike many other distributions, Arch does not automatically detect Windows during GRUB setup. Features like os-prober are disabled by default, and if your Windows partition is not readable or mounted correctly, GRUB simply ignores it. Running grub-mkconfig alone is often not enough.

Welcome back to MusaBase!
In this guide, I will show you the proper and reliable way to fix GRUB dual boot on Arch Linux. This guide focuses on making GRUB correctly detect your existing Windows installation and keeping it stable after updates.

Here is exactly what we are going to do in this guide:

  • Install and enable os-prober on Arch Linux
  • Regenerate grub.cfg correctly for dual boot
  • Fix cases where Windows is still not detected after running grub-mkconfig
  • Install ntfs-3g to ensure the Windows partition is readable
  • Manually mount the Windows partition and re-detect it in GRUB
  • Confirm that GRUB successfully finds and adds the Windows boot entry
How to Install DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux (GPU, Multilib & Fixes)

How to Install DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux (GPU, Multilib & Fixes)

How to Correctly Install DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux

Yes, Linux has its own editors like Kdenlive, but if you are coming from an Adobe or DaVinci Resolve workflow, adjusting to Kdenlive can feel limiting and frustrating.

The good news is that DaVinci Resolve does work on Linux. The bad news? On Arch Linux, installing it is not a simple “next, next, finish” process or a one-line command. Resolve depends on very specific system libraries, proper OpenCL support, and correct GPU configuration. If even one piece is missing, Resolve may not launch, fail to detect your GPU, or crash without any clear error.

Welcome back to MusaBase! In this guide, I will show you the correct way to install DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux, without random fixes or workarounds.

Here is exactly what we are going to do in this guide:

  • Installing DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux using yay
  • Selecting the correct GPU libraries during installation (AMD or NVIDIA)
  • Fixing the common yay failed to download DaVinci Resolve error
  • Manually downloading the official DaVinci Resolve zip from Blackmagic Design
  • Placing the extracted files in the yay cache to complete the installation
  • Launching DaVinci Resolve successfully on Arch Linux

This article is focused on the practical, working method only, no unnecessary tweaks or theory. By the end, DaVinci Resolve will be installed and ready to launch on your Arch system.

Best IDM Alternative for Arch Linux: JDownloader 2 Setup Guide

Best IDM Alternative for Arch Linux: JDownloader 2 Setup Guide

The Best IDM Alternative for Arch Linux: JDownloader 2

Finding a free download manager that "just works" especially on Linux, can be quite a challenge. I have tried several popular download managers like FDM, KGet, and XDM, but they often struggle with specific links or fail to start downloads on certain sites. What I was looking for was something as reliable as IDM on Windows. For me, JDownloader 2 is the closest and most capable alternative to IDM on Linux, though its open-source and also available on Windows.

Welcome back to MusaBase! If you have been looking for a way to get IDM-level performance on your Arch Linux machine, JDownloader 2 is the answer. In this guide, we are going to set up this powerful download manager from scratch, ensuring that your Java dependencies are correctly handled and your download engine is tuned for absolute maximum bandwidth.

Here is what we are going to achieve in this guide:

  • Installing JDownloader 2 using the Arch User Repository (AUR)
  • Ensuring the correct OpenJDK environment is active for stability
  • Fine-tuning Simultaneous Downloads and connections per file
  • Setting up LinkGrabber to automatically catch downloads from your browser

Once we are done, you won't even miss IDM anymore. Your Arch system will be ready to handle massive downloads with automated organization and speed. Let's dive in!

OBS Screen Recording on Arch Linux: Professional Setup Guide

OBS Screen Recording on Arch Linux: Professional Setup Guide

How to Install and Run OBS Studio on Arch Linux

Need to capture your screen on Arch Linux without the headache of black screen issues or lag? Whether you want to record a quick tutorial, share your Arch Linux workflow, or capture your gaming on Linux, OBS Studio is the most reliable tool, provided it is configured correctly for the Arch ecosystem.

Welcome back to MusaBase! In today's guide, I will show you the most efficient way to install OBS Studio using Pacman and, more importantly, how to fine-tune your Output and Video settings for professional-grade results right from the first boot.

In this guide, we will cover:

  • Installing OBS Studio and critical dependencies via Pacman
  • Navigating the First-Boot Auto-Configuration for optimal results
  • Fine-tuning Bitrate and Encoders based on your hardware
  • Adjusting Canvas and Output Resolution for crisp video quality

By the end of this tutorial, your OBS Studio will be fully optimized and ready to record your Arch Linux workflow with maximum efficiency. Let’s get started!

How to Install XFCE Desktop on Arch Linux (Lightweight & Fast)

How to Install XFCE Desktop on Arch Linux (Lightweight & Fast)

How to Install XFCE Desktop Environment on Arch Linux

Arch Linux offers total control, and XFCE ensures that power is translated into pure performance. While other desktop environments waste resources on heavy animations, XFCE remains lightweight, stable, and incredibly fast. This combination creates a distraction-free system where your hardware is dedicated entirely to your workflow rather than visual effects.

Welcome back to MusaBase! In my previous guides, I covered the installation of KDE Plasma and GNOME. Today, we are completing the trio with XFCE, a desktop environment legendary for its low RAM usage and modular customization.

In this guide, you will learn how to install XFCE on Arch Linux and set up a productive workstation using the LightDM display manager.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through how to:

  • Prepare your Arch Linux base for XFCE
  • Install the XFCE4 package group and core plugins
  • Configure LightDM for a fast login experience
  • Enable system services to boot into your XFCE session automatically

By the end of this guide, you will have a fast, reliable, and highly responsive desktop environment running on your Arch Linux system. Whether you are reviving an older machine or looking for the ultimate distraction-free workstation, this setup will provide the perfect balance of simplicity and power.

If you want to explore advanced tiling setups later, check out my guide on ML4W Hyprland on Arch Linux.

Neofetch on Terminal inside XFCE Desktop Environment on Arch Linux