For long distance access, i always used parsec, though i’m not sure how secure it is.

ZorinOS is the best for me, because it works out of the box, looks a lot like Windows which i’m used to, is relatively configurable and is free (the paid version is just cosmetics and prebundled additional software). I consider looking into Arch though, thanks to your post and the comments there ;)

Comments on Reddit seem to suggest that UI problems with NeuralDSP plugins seems to be solved with some onstallation of DirectX libraries (? Not sure about the technical details) :

was able to fix it just yesterday after seeing someone suggest this:

install WineGUI

use it to install DirectX 9/10/11 and DirectX 12 packages

This instantly fixed the GUI not being responsive, tested with the new Nolly X

The combo Reaper + yabridge works relatively well for me, did not get all my VSTs back but the basics are working.

I guess teenagers who do not have access to any device but a 3DS could have a good reason for using it

Can confirm, used it for Lethal Company, worked like a charm

To use .dll VSTs on Linux with Reaper, i use yabridge. If i understood correctly it mixes the use of the linux .so VST format and Wine to trick the VSTs into thinking they run on Windows. So you can run Reaper outside of Wine, and automatically have access to Windows VSTs (once you setup yabridge properly).

It has some huge limitations (most Waves plugins are a big no, getting Kontakt to work seems to involve black magic way beyond my understanding, etc) but i got some plugins to work very well!

On the safety of Wine, i’m not sure at all. From what i understand of this forum, Wine itself is not really dangerous, but it does not block applications from communicating with Linux filesystem and environment so it’s not 100% safe. However you are slightly protected by the niche aspect of Linux, which makes it unlilely for attackers to take time to code a virus that handles Linux way of working. And from my small experience with hacked VSTs on Windows, most werent a threat, especially when i took them from the same hacking team