I'm trying to figure out the best way to install Linux on my system. I'm considering several options, including setting up a Virtual Machine with VirtualBox, dual-booting with Ubuntu, or using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2). I'd love to hear what others think about these methods and what would work best for my needs.
4 Answers
With 8GB of RAM, you might want to consider a cloud-hosted solution. It could save you the trouble of upgrading your machine and might actually be more cost-effective.
WSL2 is a fantastic choice! If you’re just wanting to learn or casually use Linux, it’s perfect. VMWare might have specific uses that are more advanced. Honestly, in 2025, there's really no reason to dual-boot; you could be using both systems seamlessly.
It really depends on what you need. For me, VMWare Workstation is a solid choice if you have enough RAM, especially since I use it for work. I wouldn't recommend VirtualBox though; VMWare just offers a better experience. WSL is great if you’re mainly using the terminal. Dual-booting feels too much like a hassle for me. If you want something different, you could try using a Raspberry Pi if you're looking for a low-cost setup.
Is VMWare better for running graphical apps compared to WSL? I'm a bit unsure about performance.
How much RAM would I actually need for VMWare? I've got a laptop with 8GB.
If you don't need Windows for gaming, I say go full Linux! It’s often easier for programming as you dive deeper into coding. If you must keep Windows, dual-booting could work, but yeah, it does require more effort. I’ve never been a fan of virtual machines myself, but everyone has their own style!
I don't game at all; all I do is programming, binge YouTube, and watch movies.
I'm starting a web development course, so actually, what’s the best option for that?