Hey there! I'm considering making some changes to my computer setup. I currently have two SSDs and I'm thinking about creating around a 1 TB partition on one of them to install Linux. My plan is to use Linux for daily tasks, productivity, and learning, while sticking with Windows for gaming and video editing. I want to be able to choose between the two operating systems when I start my computer, so I'm looking into dual booting. However, I already have valuable data and programs on my Windows drives that I want to protect. So, I'm curious: 1. Is it still a good idea to use Linux as my primary OS while keeping Windows for gaming and editing? 2. What's the best way to set up dual boot without losing any data? 3. Would I be better off installing Linux on the second SSD or just making a new partition on the main one? Also, I'm interested in knowing which Linux distro would mimic the macOS experience since I'm used to a MacBook. Any advice or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
Absolutely, using Linux as a daily driver is great! I've found that software like DaVinci Resolve works well on Linux. Plus, the ability to customize your desktop environment is really appealing. Just keep in mind that dual booting can be tricky with Windows updates sometimes causing issues with Linux booting. You might want to avoid dual booting altogether. Instead, I recommend using an external drive to run Linux, which offers more flexibility for other systems. If you prefer a macOS-like experience, I suggest trying GNOME—it’s smooth and user-friendly!
Good point! I've also had success accessing files across different drives when dual booting. Just remember some configuration might be needed to access NTFS and APFS drives.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth juggling both. Windows has its flaws, but it’s also more polished and widely supported. If you want to transition to Linux, maybe do a clean switch instead of keeping Windows around. Just my two cents!
To set up dual booting effectively, you could shrink your Windows partition down to about 150-200 GB and install Linux in that space. You can also create a third partition formatted as NTFS for your games; that way, you can access them from both operating systems without hassle. Experiment with what works best for you!
Sounds practical! I appreciate the suggestion about the NTFS partition for games.
I've tried this method too, and it works really well! Definitely worth a shot.
It’s totally fine to use both! Just ensure you put Linux on a separate physical drive if you can. Some users have had success doing this without major issues. As for distros, you might like EndeavourOS if you're looking for something that has a Mac-like feel. Give it a shot!
Thanks for the tips! I'm leaning toward getting a new NVMe drive just for Linux. It sounds like a solid plan to keep my gaming setup safe while experimenting with Linux.