I have limited disk space and want to try Linux in a virtual machine first. How much space should I allow, and which distributions besides Ubuntu should I look at? What kind of hardware do they need?
How much disk space do I need to try Linux in a VM?
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6p!bearing_412
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There isn't one space requirement for every Linux setup. A minimal installation without a desktop can fit within 20 GB, but a desktop, applications, updates and your own files will need more room.
If you can spare around 60 GB, that gives you more breathing room, including for swap if needed. If you can't, check the requirements for the particular distribution and desktop before choosing a VM disk size.
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MX Linux is worth a look if the machine is older or short on resources. It's aimed at being relatively lightweight, and the discussion mentioned setups with 2 GB of RAM. Check the current requirements for the edition you choose, especially since the host system and VM will share that RAM.
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Linux Mint, Zorin OS and Fedora are other options to investigate. Debian is another choice, particularly if you want to configure a more minimal system. Their requirements vary by desktop and edition, so compare those rather than picking by name alone.
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If disk space is really tight, consider booting a live USB instead of installing a VM right away. It lets you try a distribution without installing it to your internal drive, though the USB itself still needs enough space for the image.
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A live session is also a way to check whether things like Wi-Fi and the touchpad work on your hardware before installing.
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What are your CPU, RAM and available disk space? Those details make a big difference here. Also mention whether you want a full graphical desktop or just a minimal command-line system.
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copper_wire__curator:
A dynamically allocated virtual disk can start smaller than its configured maximum, but it can grow as you use it. Keep an eye on the free space on the host.