I'm looking to fully switch to Linux as my main operating system, but I need to use Acellus for school. I'm considering dual-booting Windows with Linux, but I want the Windows partition to be smaller than 10GB since Acellus is only available on the Microsoft Store and takes up about 500MB. Is there a way to achieve this? If dual-booting isn't feasible, can I run the PC version of Acellus on Linux? I also found an Android/Chromebook APK for Acellus on Google Play—would I be able to use that on Linux? I prefer not to use it on my phone because the app isn't great. Additionally, what's the best lightweight Linux distribution for my Acer Aspire 5 laptop, which has 4GB of RAM and 118GB of storage (about 45GB free) tailored for gaming and web browsing?
3 Answers
For the Windows partition, try Tiny11; it's a lightweight version that can supposedly fit in 8GB, but I'm not sure if that includes the Microsoft Store. As for running desktop apps on Linux, UWP apps from the store typically don’t work with Wine, which complicates things. You could run Android apps with Waydroid, but compatibility varies.
Regarding a distro for your laptop, Q4OS is a good option. It's lightweight, small in size, and works well with KDE, which is great for trying out Android apps through Waydroid.
Just a heads up, Q4OS does come with some pre-set themes, so be ready to customize it a bit.
It's tough to optimize gaming on a laptop with just 4GB of RAM. If you're set on dual-booting, I'd recommend seriously considering upgrading your RAM and storage if possible. Your current setup may struggle with both Linux and running virtual machines.
You could try using Winboat; it might work for running Windows applications. Just keep in mind it's a bit tricky to install, so be prepared for some challenges.
I've heard Winboat is solid! Just make sure you follow the installation guides carefully.
Thanks for the recommendation! Q4OS sounds like a decent fit for my needs.