Which operating system is best for music-making in 2026 ?

[hyunwoobig]

Mac Always.

[Zeisner]

Some success with several Linux distros. In fallback mode, the usual slowdowns and crashes don't occur anymore and the systems remains responsive, even for hours. Slow, but it works, at least for office-related tasks. The Pop!_OS test still remains though. Maybe an experimental desktop is the solution.

[legendCNCD]

AmigaOS as always

[Jim Roseberry]

It's a silly question.
I have the best of both Mac and PC.
You can make quality (or crap) music on OSX or Windows.
As it's been the past 30 years...

You need more knowledge to configure Windows for maximum DAW performance.
You have more flexibility hardware-wise with a PC.

If someone thinks Windows is a technological "hell-hole", best of luck with Linux.
Aside from install/configuration issues, you've got more limited audio interface choices, and far more limited plugin choices. It's literally like stepping back in time 20+ years.
DAW users are a minute segment of the overall computer using population.
Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of the DAW using population.
Economic realities impede progress.
No profit translates to slow development.

If you think you're circumventing data-mining by using Linux, you'd be incorrect.
Surfing the Internet, you're being tracked/targeted.
If you use a cell-phone or smart-device, you're being tracked/targeted.
The only way to circumvent this is to live completely "off-grid".
The Internet has allowed most of the planet to be technologically connected.
It's a bit like being famous.
Success, opportunity, notoriety, recognition may be great... but it comes at the expense of privacy.

[Bunny_boy]

The one I like using

[lfm]

If you think you're circumventing data-mining by using Linux, you'd be incorrect.
Surfing the Internet, you're being tracked/targeted.
If you use a cell-phone or smart-device, you're being tracked/targeted.
The only way to circumvent this is to live completely "off-grid".

Success, opportunity, notoriety, recognition may be great... but it comes at the expense of privacy.

Using Vpn is a fair start being more private. Did for last 7 years now.
- I can recommend ProtonVpn where you can actually target a specific ip address if you want
- most Vpn services always give you a random ip on a server/country and what you get may be "run down" by bots and have some kind of blocking or semi-blocking here and there.
- Youtube for one give you "sign in to confirm not a bot" or the "I'm not a robot"-crap
- target an specific ip allow to have a set of presets that always work without that crap
- I just renewed another 2 years for $80 and the world is your oyster

What is getting more and more of a problem is the various security services just "eating" your emails?
- companies are sold this solution and promised less spam etc
- but they loose customers as well in many cases
- some services bann entires domains over that one ip considered malicious or just spam

But using "gmail.com" Google track conversations anyway, as yourself or who you are "talking" to.

[Songsterr]

I'll try linux with bitwig

The audio latency on Linux has improved massively by 2026, especially with PipeWire. I’ve been testing Bitwig on Ubuntu Studio recently, and the stability is impressive compared to Windows. If you have a class-compliant interface, it’s almost plug-and-play now

[audiojunkie]

It's a silly question.
I have the best of both Mac and PC.
You can make quality (or crap) music on OSX or Windows.
As it's been the past 30 years...

You need more knowledge to configure Windows for maximum DAW performance.
You have more flexibility hardware-wise with a PC.

If someone thinks Windows is a technological "hell-hole", best of luck with Linux.
Aside from install/configuration issues, you've got more limited audio interface choices, and far more limited plugin choices. It's literally like stepping back in time 20+ years.
DAW users are a minute segment of the overall computer using population.
Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of the DAW using population.
Economic realities impede progress.
No profit translates to slow development.

If you think you're circumventing data-mining by using Linux, you'd be incorrect.
Surfing the Internet, you're being tracked/targeted.
If you use a cell-phone or smart-device, you're being tracked/targeted.
The only way to circumvent this is to live completely "off-grid".
The Internet has allowed most of the planet to be technologically connected.
It's a bit like being famous.
Success, opportunity, notoriety, recognition may be great... but it comes at the expense of privacy.

One of the nice things about Linux is that there is a distro for nearly every purpose imaginable. For example, there are turn-key distros for pro audio work. You mention that a lot of configuration is required, but that is only if you are using a general purpose Linux distro. If you are using one of the pro-audio turn-key distros, such as the following, there is no configuration needed at all:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZik

As for limited Audio Interface choices, it's not really that limited anymore. Because Linux is compatible with any Class Compliant audio interface, pretty much any device that is available for MacOS or iOS works with Linux. Granted, you want to avoid any devices with built-in DSP that requires any OS specific software control, but over all, there are many, many completely compatible audio interfaces available. I don't see this as being a problem at all.

Now, I will agree with you that available software is much more limited. But that said, there are still an estimated 3000+ Linux compatible software apps and plugins available for Linux. How many do you really need? More and more packages are becoming available daily. I just purchased Zebra 3. Is that not an uptodate and powerful plugin? The only real area that is lacking, is in deeply sampled instrument libraries--such as things that Kontakt would provide. I personally have over 350Gb of sampled instruments that I've collected over the years. There are sample houses that are starting to support Linux. This whole apps limitation thing is getting better and improving on almost a daily basis.

So, in my assessment, I would strongly disagree with you that using linux is like stepping back in time 20+ years. I've been in this business as long as you have (my career is in I.T.). I remember just as well as you do what it was like 20 years ago. Using Linux is in no way like stepping back in time 20+ years. Now, if you would have said that to me 10 years ago, I would probably agree with you. In less than 10 short years, Linux has advanced so quickly, that it now stands on equal ground in everything but the number of applications--and that is getting better, like I said, daily.

As for stating that Linux can't prevent data-mining, I would say that this again is where the benefit of Linux having multiple distros comes into play. If you want to stay completely anonymous on the internet, it is entirely possible with Linux, provided you use a distro designed for it. This is something that Windows and MacOS can't do. This is something that a standard Linux distro doesn't do. But because there are distros specifically designed for this, Linux can do it better than anyone else. For example, look at Tails. Tails is a Linux distro that does exactly what you are saying Linux can't do. I know you work with computers for a living (like I do), and so I would like to invite you to take a look at Tails:

https://tails.net/

Now, you say that Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of Windows & Mac DAW users. That may be true, but according to the things I'm seeing and according to several user polls, the Linux DAW users are third--after Windows, and then MacOS. Everything else is after Linux. That includes those making mobile music on tablets and handheld devices or using only hardware. And furthermore, the numbers of Linux DAW users are growing year by year. Why is that? Because things keep getting better and better with Linux.

Now, I know Purrrfect Audio / Studio Cat has been in business for a long, long time. I've followed your business for as long as I've been a member here. But think about it. Do you remember back when people suggested using laptops for pro audio? People laughed and mocked those who were suggesting using them. But you now sell laptops. Things improved with the hardware to the point that it became viable. Instead of poo-pooing on Linux, why don't you acknowledge that things are better? If you haven't dipped your foot in the pool, why not give it a modern try?

Now, by giving it a try, I don't mean just trying to load any old Linux disk onto any old hardware to see if it loads. I mean get a Linux Audio knowledgeable friend to help you, a known Linux compatible computer and audio interface, a turn-key Linux distro, and a compatible DAW and plugins. Give things a real try. Use it for a while--it acts and works exactly the same as on Windows or MacOS.

There are lots of people out there that are bitter and have things don't work, and yet as much as they say they are trying it, they have refused to do just those simple things that I mention above: Have a knowledgeable friend, known compatible hardware, known compatible software. They try any old distro, with any old hardware, and they try to do it all by themselves, and then they get bitter and whine about how bad Linux is.

I'm not suggesting you even consider Linux for your business. Your business and what you want to support or sell or whatever, is your choice. I just want you to come to realize that the truth about Linux is that it is much better than people make it out to be--including you.

I would like to invite you to open your mind to the capabilities of modern Linux.

[audiojunkie]

Here's a nice video:

[sin night]

I’m using a Mac because some of my hardware is not compatible with Linux, so the choice is between Mac or Windows.

No setup is stress free, but Mac is quite easy / doesn’t get in the way / it’s an overall smoother experience, which is something I appreciate (as long as you wait before upgrading your OS and you buy your software from solid and reputable brands… a little bit of planning makes it a decent overall experience)

I also have a Windows daw (which I rarely use) and I use Windows at work (because that’s what the company supplies and certain office tools work better on Windows).

One reason for using Mac (especially the current models) is they produce very little to no noise…

Anyway, the best OS is the one that supports the tools you need to use and makes you work easily (and safely). Pick your tools, then pick your favourite OS among those supporting those tools.


If I could get a powerful and silent Linux computer and all my gear (hardware and software) worked with it, I’d probably get it… Unfortunately, I’m stuck between Mac or Windows at the moment. What I collected through the years dictates my choices. Linux wasn’t really an option at the time when I bought some of my software and hardware (and it’s not widely supported even nowadays), so I bought whatever did the job and had support for both Mac and Windows (I try to avoid being stuck with a single vendor). So, what’s “best” for me at the monent may be not what’s best for someone starting out and/or willing to spend time with Linux for example (in my specific case, I’d have to go through a migration and leave some stuff behind, so it’s not an option).

I prefer Unix-based operating systems (just my preference!) and open source solutions (when possible/available), but then I use whatever tools does the job, unless there’s anything really annoying me on a specific platform.

[lfm]

One thing that is strange, if we say that Windows 3.1 1991 was the big break for PC, that we 35 years later don't have an OS that allow troublefree multimedia.
- just purchase and plugin whatever you have

I think Mac was ahead on that from the start. All printshops were Mac based, and when to have my manuals for my products printed into books, I had severe issues just moving a postscript file from pc discette to their system.
- this was early '90s so forgiven now

Having had a problem free Windows 11 daw computer now for almost 18 months, stopping the updates back then, it will probably be fine.
- looking at prices for Mac is jawdropping for one thing

[Jim Roseberry]

It's a silly question.
I have the best of both Mac and PC.
You can make quality (or crap) music on OSX or Windows.
As it's been the past 30 years...

You need more knowledge to configure Windows for maximum DAW performance.
You have more flexibility hardware-wise with a PC.

If someone thinks Windows is a technological "hell-hole", best of luck with Linux.
Aside from install/configuration issues, you've got more limited audio interface choices, and far more limited plugin choices. It's literally like stepping back in time 20+ years.
DAW users are a minute segment of the overall computer using population.
Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of the DAW using population.
Economic realities impede progress.
No profit translates to slow development.

If you think you're circumventing data-mining by using Linux, you'd be incorrect.
Surfing the Internet, you're being tracked/targeted.
If you use a cell-phone or smart-device, you're being tracked/targeted.
The only way to circumvent this is to live completely "off-grid".
The Internet has allowed most of the planet to be technologically connected.
It's a bit like being famous.
Success, opportunity, notoriety, recognition may be great... but it comes at the expense of privacy.

One of the nice things about Linux is that there is a distro for nearly every purpose imaginable. For example, there are turn-key distros for pro audio work. You mention that a lot of configuration is required, but that is only if you are using a general purpose Linux distro. If you are using one of the pro-audio turn-key distros, such as the following, there is no configuration needed at all:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZik

As for limited Audio Interface choices, it's not really that limited anymore. Because Linux is compatible with any Class Compliant audio interface, pretty much any device that is available for MacOS or iOS works with Linux. Granted, you want to avoid any devices with built-in DSP that requires any OS specific software control, but over all, there are many, many completely compatible audio interfaces available. I don't see this as being a problem at all.

Now, I will agree with you that available software is much more limited. But that said, there are still an estimated 3000+ Linux compatible software apps and plugins available for Linux. How many do you really need? More and more packages are becoming available daily. I just purchased Zebra 3. Is that not an uptodate and powerful plugin? The only real area that is lacking, is in deeply sampled instrument libraries--such as things that Kontakt would provide. I personally have over 350Gb of sampled instruments that I've collected over the years. There are sample houses that are starting to support Linux. This whole apps limitation thing is getting better and improving on almost a daily basis.

So, in my assessment, I would strongly disagree with you that using linux is like stepping back in time 20+ years. I've been in this business as long as you have (my career is in I.T.). I remember just as well as you do what it was like 20 years ago. Using Linux is in no way like stepping back in time 20+ years. Now, if you would have said that to me 10 years ago, I would probably agree with you. In less than 10 short years, Linux has advanced so quickly, that it now stands on equal ground in everything but the number of applications--and that is getting better, like I said, daily.

As for stating that Linux can't prevent data-mining, I would say that this again is where the benefit of Linux having multiple distros comes into play. If you want to stay completely anonymous on the internet, it is entirely possible with Linux, provided you use a distro designed for it. This is something that Windows and MacOS can't do. This is something that a standard Linux distro doesn't do. But because there are distros specifically designed for this, Linux can do it better than anyone else. For example, look at Tails. Tails is a Linux distro that does exactly what you are saying Linux can't do. I know you work with computers for a living (like I do), and so I would like to invite you to take a look at Tails:

https://tails.net/

Now, you say that Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of Windows & Mac DAW users. That may be true, but according to the things I'm seeing and according to several user polls, the Linux DAW users are third--after Windows, and then MacOS. Everything else is after Linux. That includes those making mobile music on tablets and handheld devices or using only hardware. And furthermore, the numbers of Linux DAW users are growing year by year. Why is that? Because things keep getting better and better with Linux.

Now, I know Purrrfect Audio / Studio Cat has been in business for a long, long time. I've followed your business for as long as I've been a member here. But think about it. Do you remember back when people suggested using laptops for pro audio? People laughed and mocked those who were suggesting using them. But you now sell laptops. Things improved with the hardware to the point that it became viable. Instead of poo-pooing on Linux, why don't you acknowledge that things are better? If you haven't dipped your foot in the pool, why not give it a modern try?

Now, by giving it a try, I don't mean just trying to load any old Linux disk onto any old hardware to see if it loads. I mean get a Linux Audio knowledgeable friend to help you, a known Linux compatible computer and audio interface, a turn-key Linux distro, and a compatible DAW and plugins. Give things a real try. Use it for a while--it acts and works exactly the same as on Windows or MacOS.

There are lots of people out there that are bitter and have things don't work, and yet as much as they say they are trying it, they have refused to do just those simple things that I mention above: Have a knowledgeable friend, known compatible hardware, known compatible software. They try any old distro, with any old hardware, and they try to do it all by themselves, and then they get bitter and whine about how bad Linux is.

I'm not suggesting you even consider Linux for your business. Your business and what you want to support or sell or whatever, is your choice. I just want you to come to realize that the truth about Linux is that it is much better than people make it out to be--including you.

I would like to invite you to open your mind to the capabilities of modern Linux.

I wrote a long response... and it was deleted when I logged-in to post.

To summarize:
Why would I switch to a Linux based DAW?
I'd lose all the tools I currently use... and gain nothing in the process.

I wouldn't be able to use the DSP functions in my preferred audio interfaces
I wouldn't be able to use ProTools
I wouldn't be able to use Kontakt, BBC Symphony, Spitfire, Omnisphere 3, etc
I wouldn't be able to use my preferred plugins (SSL, AAX DSP, etc)
I wouldn't be able to use my SSL UF8 DAW controller
I wouldn't be able to use the apps for my Nord keyboards, PolyBrute 12, Sample Robot, etc

I'm not having performance issues
I'm not having stability issues
I'm able to monitor DSP processed audio at sub 1ms latency

Like a Geometry proof
No problem exists : no solution needed

For folks like me, Linux as a DAW platform just isn't a practical choice.

Yes, I build custom laptops.
Do I think they're a viable replacement for a 9950 or CU9-285k based workstation? No.
With small enclosures, there are inherent performance limitations (Thermal-dynamics).
If you need the mobility, you live with the limitations.
For my main workstation, I want the fastest CPU... and complete control to choose every component and how the machine (as a whole) is configured.

[audiojunkie]

It's a silly question.
I have the best of both Mac and PC.
You can make quality (or crap) music on OSX or Windows.
As it's been the past 30 years...

You need more knowledge to configure Windows for maximum DAW performance.
You have more flexibility hardware-wise with a PC.

If someone thinks Windows is a technological "hell-hole", best of luck with Linux.
Aside from install/configuration issues, you've got more limited audio interface choices, and far more limited plugin choices. It's literally like stepping back in time 20+ years.
DAW users are a minute segment of the overall computer using population.
Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of the DAW using population.
Economic realities impede progress.
No profit translates to slow development.

If you think you're circumventing data-mining by using Linux, you'd be incorrect.
Surfing the Internet, you're being tracked/targeted.
If you use a cell-phone or smart-device, you're being tracked/targeted.
The only way to circumvent this is to live completely "off-grid".
The Internet has allowed most of the planet to be technologically connected.
It's a bit like being famous.
Success, opportunity, notoriety, recognition may be great... but it comes at the expense of privacy.

One of the nice things about Linux is that there is a distro for nearly every purpose imaginable. For example, there are turn-key distros for pro audio work. You mention that a lot of configuration is required, but that is only if you are using a general purpose Linux distro. If you are using one of the pro-audio turn-key distros, such as the following, there is no configuration needed at all:

AV Linux
Ubuntu Studio
LibraZik

As for limited Audio Interface choices, it's not really that limited anymore. Because Linux is compatible with any Class Compliant audio interface, pretty much any device that is available for MacOS or iOS works with Linux. Granted, you want to avoid any devices with built-in DSP that requires any OS specific software control, but over all, there are many, many completely compatible audio interfaces available. I don't see this as being a problem at all.

Now, I will agree with you that available software is much more limited. But that said, there are still an estimated 3000+ Linux compatible software apps and plugins available for Linux. How many do you really need? More and more packages are becoming available daily. I just purchased Zebra 3. Is that not an uptodate and powerful plugin? The only real area that is lacking, is in deeply sampled instrument libraries--such as things that Kontakt would provide. I personally have over 350Gb of sampled instruments that I've collected over the years. There are sample houses that are starting to support Linux. This whole apps limitation thing is getting better and improving on almost a daily basis.

So, in my assessment, I would strongly disagree with you that using linux is like stepping back in time 20+ years. I've been in this business as long as you have (my career is in I.T.). I remember just as well as you do what it was like 20 years ago. Using Linux is in no way like stepping back in time 20+ years. Now, if you would have said that to me 10 years ago, I would probably agree with you. In less than 10 short years, Linux has advanced so quickly, that it now stands on equal ground in everything but the number of applications--and that is getting better, like I said, daily.

As for stating that Linux can't prevent data-mining, I would say that this again is where the benefit of Linux having multiple distros comes into play. If you want to stay completely anonymous on the internet, it is entirely possible with Linux, provided you use a distro designed for it. This is something that Windows and MacOS can't do. This is something that a standard Linux distro doesn't do. But because there are distros specifically designed for this, Linux can do it better than anyone else. For example, look at Tails. Tails is a Linux distro that does exactly what you are saying Linux can't do. I know you work with computers for a living (like I do), and so I would like to invite you to take a look at Tails:

https://tails.net/

Now, you say that Linux DAW users are a tiny segment of Windows & Mac DAW users. That may be true, but according to the things I'm seeing and according to several user polls, the Linux DAW users are third--after Windows, and then MacOS. Everything else is after Linux. That includes those making mobile music on tablets and handheld devices or using only hardware. And furthermore, the numbers of Linux DAW users are growing year by year. Why is that? Because things keep getting better and better with Linux.

Now, I know Purrrfect Audio / Studio Cat has been in business for a long, long time. I've followed your business for as long as I've been a member here. But think about it. Do you remember back when people suggested using laptops for pro audio? People laughed and mocked those who were suggesting using them. But you now sell laptops. Things improved with the hardware to the point that it became viable. Instead of poo-pooing on Linux, why don't you acknowledge that things are better? If you haven't dipped your foot in the pool, why not give it a modern try?

Now, by giving it a try, I don't mean just trying to load any old Linux disk onto any old hardware to see if it loads. I mean get a Linux Audio knowledgeable friend to help you, a known Linux compatible computer and audio interface, a turn-key Linux distro, and a compatible DAW and plugins. Give things a real try. Use it for a while--it acts and works exactly the same as on Windows or MacOS.

There are lots of people out there that are bitter and have things don't work, and yet as much as they say they are trying it, they have refused to do just those simple things that I mention above: Have a knowledgeable friend, known compatible hardware, known compatible software. They try any old distro, with any old hardware, and they try to do it all by themselves, and then they get bitter and whine about how bad Linux is.

I'm not suggesting you even consider Linux for your business. Your business and what you want to support or sell or whatever, is your choice. I just want you to come to realize that the truth about Linux is that it is much better than people make it out to be--including you.

I would like to invite you to open your mind to the capabilities of modern Linux.

I wrote a long response... and it was deleted when I logged-in to post.

To summarize:
Why would I switch to a Linux based DAW?
I'd lose all the tools I currently use... and gain nothing in the process.

I wouldn't be able to use the DSP functions in my preferred audio interfaces
I wouldn't be able to use ProTools
I wouldn't be able to use Kontakt, BBC Symphony, Spitfire, Omnisphere 3, etc
I wouldn't be able to use my preferred plugins (SSL, AAX DSP, etc)
I wouldn't be able to use my SSL UF8 DAW controller
I wouldn't be able to use the apps for my Nord keyboards, PolyBrute 12, Sample Robot, etc

I'm not having performance issues
I'm not having stability issues
I'm able to monitor DSP processed audio at sub 1ms latency

Like a Geometry proof
No problem exists : no solution needed

For folks like me, Linux as a DAW platform just isn't a practical choice.

Yes, I build custom laptops.
Do I think they're a viable replacement for a 9950 or CU9-285k based workstation? No.
With small enclosures, there are inherent performance limitations (Thermal-dynamics).
If you need the mobility, you live with the limitations.
For my main workstation, I want the fastest CPU... and complete control to choose every component and how the machine (as a whole) is configured.

I may not be communicating well. I am not trying to convert you to Linux. I know that you are vested in Windows and MacOS. I am simply trying to help you see that Linux is now a viable solution to many. Maybe not for you, but many. Because of your business, people look to you as an expert resource. However, when you are not up to speed with the latest technologies in the Linux field, and you comment on aspects of Linux, people tend to take what you say as fact. I am simply trying to make you aware of the up-to-date facts of what Linux is capable of these days, so that when you give your opinion, you will know about the capabilities of Linux, even if you don't use it or even like it.

EDIT: Sorry you lost your long post--I hate when that happens, and it happens frequently to me. Thank you for taking the time to respond twice. I hope you don't take what I'm saying in an insulting or condescending way. I am in no way trying to be offensive with my post.

[Jim Roseberry]

I may not be communicating well. I am not trying to convert you to Linux. I know that you are vested in Windows and MacOS. I am simply trying to help you see that Linux is now a viable solution to many. Maybe not for you, but many. Because of your business, people look to you as an expert resource. However, when you are not up to speed with the latest technologies in the Linux field, and you comment on aspects of Linux, people tend to take what you say as fact. I am simply trying to make you aware of the up-to-date facts of what Linux is capable of these days, so that when you give your opinion, you will know about the capabilities of Linux, even if you don't use it or even like it.

EDIT: Sorry you lost your long post--I hate when that happens, and it happens frequently to me. Thank you for taking the time to respond twice. I hope you don't take what I'm saying in an insulting or condescending way. I am in no way trying to be offensive with my post.

I'm not offended by your comments in any way.
In fact, I'd say it's been good discussion/communication... without getting emotional or attacking because we have differing views.

I guess we just have very different opinions on what "viable" means.
Most of the folks that I work with are fairly invested in plugins and virtual-instruments.
The loss of Kontakt alone is a non-starter for nearly all of them.

[audiojunkie]

I may not be communicating well. I am not trying to convert you to Linux. I know that you are vested in Windows and MacOS. I am simply trying to help you see that Linux is now a viable solution to many. Maybe not for you, but many. Because of your business, people look to you as an expert resource. However, when you are not up to speed with the latest technologies in the Linux field, and you comment on aspects of Linux, people tend to take what you say as fact. I am simply trying to make you aware of the up-to-date facts of what Linux is capable of these days, so that when you give your opinion, you will know about the capabilities of Linux, even if you don't use it or even like it.

EDIT: Sorry you lost your long post--I hate when that happens, and it happens frequently to me. Thank you for taking the time to respond twice. I hope you don't take what I'm saying in an insulting or condescending way. I am in no way trying to be offensive with my post.

I'm not offended by your comments in any way.
In fact, I'd say it's been good discussion/communication... without getting emotional or attacking because we have differing views.

I guess we just have very different opinions on what "viable" means.
Most of the folks that I work with are fairly invested in plugins and virtual-instruments.
The loss of Kontakt alone is a non-starter for nearly all of them.

I agree, it’s nice to have differing views and yet be able to talk civilly. And I agree—lack of Kontakt has probably been the toughest thing for potential Linux users to get past.