I'm new to Linux and currently using Fedora. I'm thinking about trying out Arch Linux, and I'm trying to decide if I should install it on a bootable drive or just run it in a virtual machine (VM). What do you think would be the better option for testing Arch?
5 Answers
If you have plans for a dual boot on the same drive, be careful! There’s a risk you could mess up your Fedora installation. But if you have a separate drive, either method should work fine. Just keep backups, just in case!
If you're just testing out Arch, I’d definitely recommend using a VM. It’s way safer and easier to reset if something goes wrong. Plus, there's no risk of messing up your main system. Dual or triple boot setups are great for long-term use, but they're trickier to get right initially.
If you really want to go for a triple boot, I suggest looking into EndeavorOS for an easier setup. It comes with a graphical installer, making partitioning less intimidating. Just make sure you're comfortable with managing those partitions!
Honestly, it really depends on your goals. I’ve done both bootable installs and VMs, and for casual testing, a VM is the way to go. If you want to use Arch as your main OS later, then a physical installation will give you better performance and a better learning experience.
Using a VM is the best choice for just testing Arch. It’s quicker, and you can easily wipe and start over if needed. That said, if you decide to make it your main OS, a physical install is great for optimal resource use.
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