I'm looking to switch from Windows to Linux for various reasons, and I want to start dual booting so I can ease into it. I was initially considering Pop OS as my Linux distribution. Can I just run it off a thumb drive first, or is it better to install it on a new SSD? I still need to buy the SSD and am waiting for the right price. My main goals are gaming and development, so I want to set this up properly right from the start.
5 Answers
I recently switched to Linux Mint on my laptop and a PC for 3D printing. It’s been smooth sailing for me so far! For dual booting, consider shrinking your Windows partition to make space for Linux. Just make sure to back up all your data first!
Another option is using a virtual machine like VMware Player to install Linux. It’s handy for trying things out without risking your Windows setup. Just keep in mind that dual boot setups can be tricky, so if you're not comfortable with that, a VM is a great way to go. Just make sure you eventually get a separate drive if you want to dual boot later.
Just a heads up, make sure you check which manufacturers your CPU and GPU belong to; their support for Linux can vary based on their policies and efforts!
Installing on a new SSD is definitely the safest bet. I've done it myself, and it worked like a charm. You can technically run Linux off a thumb drive, but it’s slow and not really ideal for regular use.
To start with Pop OS, just head to their official website for the download. You'll need to create a bootable USB drive using something like Rufus. While you can try it out from the thumb drive, keep in mind that nothing will be saved until you install it to the computer. Dual booting should be an option during the installation process!
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