I'm completely new to Linux and want to learn ROS 2 from scratch. My current idea is to install Ubuntu in a beginner-friendly virtual machine such as VirtualBox, learn the Linux basics, and then gradually move on to ROS 2. Is that a sensible roadmap, and what should I do first after installing Linux?
I've also heard that dual-booting Windows and Linux can provide better GPU performance. Would dual-booting be worthwhile for learning ROS 2, or is a virtual machine enough to get started?
2 Answers
You don’t need to master all of Linux before touching ROS 2. Learn the practical basics as you go: navigating files, using the terminal, installing packages, editing files, understanding permissions, and working with Git. Then follow the official ROS 2 beginner tutorials in order. A VM is a sensible first step because mistakes are easier to undo, while dual-booting is mainly useful when you need full hardware and GPU performance.
Starting with Ubuntu in a virtual machine is a good, low-risk way to learn Linux and follow ROS 2 tutorials. It’s fine for command-line work, writing nodes, learning packages, and using basic visualization tools. A VM may be slower and can have limited access to USB devices, graphics acceleration, cameras, or robot hardware, so you may eventually want a native Linux installation for more advanced projects. Before dual-booting, make a reliable backup and be careful during partitioning; using a separate inexpensive computer dedicated to Linux is often simpler. Check the ROS 2 distribution’s supported Ubuntu version before installing.
So I can begin with a virtual machine, learn the Linux fundamentals, and only switch to native Linux if the VM starts getting in the way?