I'm thinking about installing Linux on my laptop after purchasing a Lenovo PS8 external SSD. Should I just repartition the SSD to dual boot Linux alongside Windows, or would it be better to set up Linux in a virtual machine on the SSD? I'd also like to know if I can store Windows data while using Linux on it.
5 Answers
For a super easy intro, just use a Live USB. That way, you don't have to install anything on your SSD right away. It's low risk and won't touch your current setup.
Using a VM is better for casual tasks like browsing or emailing, but if you're into gaming or GPU-heavy applications, dual booting is crucial. VMs can't compete with direct hardware access for those intensive tasks.
I recommend dual booting if you want full control and performance. Just keep your NTFS partitions in mind for shared access. But if troubleshooting seems daunting, try a VM to test before committing!
Starting with a virtual machine can be a great way to test things out without messing up your current setup. If you're comfortable with VMs, it’s a flexible option. Just remember, performance may not match that of a dedicated installation, especially for demanding tasks.
If you're serious about using Linux regularly, dual booting is often the best route. You get full performance and can easily access your Windows files when you boot into Linux, which is super convenient.
Totally! Just make sure to back up your data before you start partitioning.
Yeah, and if you're testing out multiple distros, VMs let you save them all for later without needing separate installations.