I'm getting a new laptop tomorrow and I'm planning to dual boot it with Linux, eventually removing Windows completely. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed with the whole process and have a few questions. Firstly, I've heard that when you dual boot, Windows might overwrite GRUB and then I would have to reinstall it, which sounds daunting to me since it's a new machine. Secondly, I'm stuck on which Linux distribution to use. I want something stable with fewer updates and less chance of breaking. Debian sounds good, but I've been told I'd have to install drivers via the terminal, which intimidates me. I've noticed a lot of mixed reviews about Ubuntu, and I don't want to use it. Mint seems to be based on Ubuntu and I'm considering LMDE as well, but someone mentioned it might not support newer hardware, which worries me since I'm not sure if my laptop qualifies as 'newer hardware.' Any advice would be appreciated!
4 Answers
If you want a hassle-free install, consider getting an external SSD. You can run Linux from there quite effectively without touching your internal drive. Once you're comfortable, you could 'dd' the external setup to your internal SSD when you're ready to ditch Windows. It's a safe way to go about it!
Honestly, reinstalling GRUB isn't a big deal, and it might not even be an issue if you install Linux after Windows. Most folks don't dual boot, so Windows tends to overwrite it. For distributions, you might want to check out Mint Cinnamon or Fedora KDE for a smooth experience. They’re user-friendly and popular for a reason! Plus, they allow you to test them out without committing right away.
Don't stress too much about GRUB! It's not as scary as it sounds to reinstall it, and facing little issues will only build your skills. As for your distro dilemma, I’d recommend starting with Ubuntu or Mint. If you find something you don't like, just try something else! Also, it's a good idea to back up your data before starting. Maybe test Linux on an old machine first to see if it feels right. Good luck!
Congrats on the new laptop! Before you dive in, make sure to check for any BIOS updates. For distros, Mint Cinnamon is a great one (it’s tweaked from Ubuntu). If you're looking for something based on Debian that’s pretty straightforward, MX Linux with Xfce is worth a try. It usually handles driver installations automatically, which is a plus!
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