I'm considering switching to Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop environment but still need to use some Windows-only software, specifically AutoDesk Revit and Bluebeam Revu, for my construction and engineering work. I know several of my preferred applications like OnlyOffice and some of my Steam games are available on Linux, but I'm struggling to find reliable information on running Revit and Bluebeam on Linux. Should I dual boot to ensure I have access to all the software I need, or is there a better solution?
4 Answers
Using two SSDs is a great approach. You can install Mint on one and keep Windows on the other. If you want to try using your necessary programs in Linux, you can use a VM or Wine. This way, if you run into issues, you still have your Windows setup to rely on. I personally use Linux most of the time, but whenever something gives me trouble, I just boot up Windows and it works fine.
If your job relies on those software programs, I'd recommend either dual booting or sticking with Windows. You could also consider getting a second SSD just for Linux. That way, you can test it out without fully committing. Have you tried booting from a live USB to play around with Linux while still having access to your Windows programs?
I actually have a 2TB drive ready for Mint, so I'm definitely leaning toward setting that up. I've tried Mint in VirtualBox but it's tough to judge performance with my essential programs. It works great for everything else, though!
Good idea! That's a solid plan to test things out.
Dual-booting is pretty straightforward if you have space on your drive; just remember to install Linux second! Windows often doesn't set up the boot loader to pick between operating systems. But with Linux, it takes care of that for you, so you can easily switch back and forth.
Definitely go for dual booting! It's the best way, in my opinion. I've faced some hiccups with Mint, but I really like the OS. I switched to Zorin and found the installation super smooth. It’s very user-friendly and handled everything well.
Sounds like a plan! I think I'm set on dual booting. I’ll also check out Wine and see if I can make it work.