I'm a beginner wanting to install GNOME and I'm trying to figure out whether to dual boot or use a virtual machine on my mom's PC. Should I run it off an HDD or SSD? I really want to experiment but also ensure I don't mess up her computer. Any suggestions on the best distros to use?
5 Answers
You can run GNOME on an HDD, SSD, USB, or a VM. If you're a newbie, I'd recommend Ubuntu since it comes with GNOME by default and is easier to install. Fedora is snappier but might require a bit more setup. Just keep in mind that Ubuntu can feel a bit sluggish on older hardware.
Be careful not to mess with your mom's computer! If it’s the only one in the house, I'd recommend using a VM instead of dual-booting. Just allocate about 20-30GB for the VM and you can have a safe space to experiment without risking her data. Always check with her first to avoid any surprises!
I'd suggest trying Linux from a Live USB first to get a feel for it. If you want to play around more, set up a Live USB with persistence. Most mainstream distros with GNOME should work fine for your testing.
A great way to find the right distro is to check out distrosea.com. They let you boot samples of various distributions, which can help you decide what you like best!
First, you can try the live desktop of Ubuntu by writing the image to a USB stick. If you're after something more Windows-like, consider Linux Mint or Kubuntu, which have familiar interfaces.
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