KXStudio is a large and frequently updated collection of audio/visual software for GNU/Linux. KXStudio is also the name given to a freely distributed GNU/Linux distribution, currently based on Ubuntu. The full KXStudio includes many system tweaks, applications, and tools not found within common GNU/Linux operating systems (distributions). KXStudio makes it easy to set up and use a free software-based digital audio/visual production environment. As well as this primary goal, KXStudio comes prepared to perform a wide variety of common computing tasks.
This short manual was created for the KXStudio DVD or USB install. KXStudio works with pretty much any PC, laptop, or netbook with a suggested (but not absolute) minimum of 1GB RAM and 8GB free hard drive space. These instructions are written for newcomers to GNU/Linux operating systems. The intent is to provide an overview of both the installation process and a brief introduction to GNU/Linux audio/visual production applications including understanding and using the most important aspects of KXStudio's custom audio tools.
The KXStudio distribution is based upon Ubuntu, one of the most popular variants of the GNU/Linux operating systems. Ubuntu is itself developed by a company called Canonical along with an extended global community of users and developers. An increasing number of third party software companies also offer software and support. While this manual focuses on installing KXStudio as a complete system, the KXStudio software repositories can also be added as a supplement to any Ubuntu- or Debian-based system.
KXStudio began when a talented young Portuguese developer known online as falkTX saw the need for Ubuntu to have better management tools and software compilation for audio-related work. Over the years, falkTX's work has expanded to cover the base KXStudio project, the related suite of audio tools known as Cadence, the Carla plugin host, and the DISTRHO audio plugins. falkTX puts an incredible amount of time and effort into creating and supporting these and has also assisted in improving numerous other FLOSS projects. If you appreciate his ongoing hard work he would be grateful for any contributions you can make via http://kxstudio.sourceforge.net/Donations . Thank you!
If you are familiar with MS Windows or OSX already, please be aware that although KXStudio can, in most cases, fully replace these commercial operating systems, it is not intended as a drop-in replacement for either. It is possible to run many MS Windows programs under GNU/Linux via a program called Wine, and both Mac OSX and Linux are variants of the UNIX family of operating systems, but the overall GNU/Linux experience is quite distinct. You will have to adjust to the GNU/Linux way of doing things if you want to run KXStudio. Don't worry about it though because both Windows and Mac users will discover many of their computer skills transfer easily over and getting help online is free and easy. The GNU/Linux community is very friendly and active, and you can directly converse with the makers of the software in a way that doesn't happen in the Windows and OSX world.
It is also important to note that not all hardware manufacturers support Linux yet so if you are buying any hardware especially for use with KXStudio you should do your research first. Don't presume that just because something works or doesn't work under Windows that it will be so under KXStudio. Linux has a few sore spots for hardware support that are mostly the fault of secretive, non-co-operative manufacturers, but, conversely, Linux also supports lots of older hardware that may not work at all with modern versions of Windows. See the Useful Links section of this manual for various Linux hardware compatibility reference sites.