You might like this website: https://www.ambient-mixer.com/

Sorry I missed your reply but hope you had a blast!

Safe as in encrypted and/or authenticated? Not at all! I only do this on networks I fully trust and with files that are not too sensitive. But it’s quick and easy to set up. All my machines have python installed so hence the idea.

It’s a bit unclear to me what you’re ready for but if you feel ready I would say go and have fun!

I often spin up a quick python http server. Just go to the folder which has the files you want to transfer and run the following command: python3 -m http.server. This will server the folder content Serving HTTP on 0.0.0.0 port 8000 (http://0.0.0.0:8000/) .... On your phone you can then browse to http://PC_IP:8000 and download what you want/need.

You could add encryption and authentication via ssh: https://guide.munin-monitoring.org/en/latest/example/transport/ssh.html or you could put it behind an nginx and wrap it in tls if you just want encryption.

Munin might be what you’re looking for. Very simple and easy to write your own plugins for if some information is missing.

http://munin-monitoring.org/

Like others have said, reaper runs very smooth on linux. I’ve been using it for years now and it has been a rock solid experience. The rare times it freezes, is almost always due to windows vsts I’m running through a bridge.

I tried ableton through wine but that was not the best. Also, it was ages ago so it might be better or worse now. Bitwig looks pretty good and I’ve read good things about it as well.

If you’re into max for live, definitely try out puredata. It’s my main music tool now, together with sooperlooper and reaper.

As for distribution, I would go with debian. It’s a bit older but has never let me down. Coming from Windows I think the KDE desktop environment would feel the most user friendly.

Personally I would not do a dual boot. Either wipe the windows partition or swap ssd. It will be more pain free in the future. Windows has a tendency to mess up your linux install which is just plain annoying. Fixing it is always a major hassle.

You could have a look at munin. It’s incredibly simple but effective. Quite easy to write your own plugins for if you’re missing some data. http://munin-monitoring.org/