I see the post asking about best version of linux for beginners, and that inspires me to ask a few questions myself, since I have also been interested in trying linux on a couple of computers.
I understand that I can run linux from a flash to get started. What happens if I decide to go with it, and supplant Win10? Does linux (Ubuntu? Mint? etc) have a function to move itself to the C: drive and become primary? Or will have to format C: and copy flash/linux to C: and set it up again? or?
I am thinking it would be a good idea to add the flash/linux to boot menu, which currently shows win10 and macrium for 3 seconds before booting itself into win10, to make it easy to switch operating systems. comments?
will linux versions of win apps generally be able to use win data files? Or am I looking at exporting/importing to keep using some of same apps in linux, and increasing data storage during transition? currently data, when possible, is kept on a d: drive. so op sys can be imaged/restored without affecting data.
Although it’s possible to boot multiple operating systems on one PC, I’d suggest to avoid it. It’s too much hassle with risk of losing your data, if you mess up your GPT/partition table.
Better way to get yourself acquainted with linux is to either use virtualization sw like Vmware or VirtualBox or to purchase dedicated hardware.
I just made the switch on a new system that came with Windows 11 Home preinstalled. I initially installed Ubuntu from a USB stick that I created with “Rufus” and a downloaded ISO of Ubuntu. It set up a boot manager and I ran that way for a few hours. Then I got so fed up with Windows getting started when I wasn’t quick enough to specify which partition to boot that I reinstalled and told it to wipe the hard drive and start fresh. I now have Ubuntu up and running and have no regrets about wiping out the copy of Windows that came with the new box. There’s still a long way to go before I am totally comfortable with Linux but I’m happy so far.
EDIT: The setup process needs to download a ton of apps and every one requires that the password be entered. I initially started with a super-secure, high-strength, unbreakable password and after the first few downloads I gave up and temporarily switched to an easier to type password.
BTW, the new box is a much slower box than my main laptop but Joplin seems to run a lot faster for some reason.
I use the boot menu on 4 windows computers. It has Windows and Macrium reflect on it, in case there is an issue with windows, I can boot directly into Macrium to install a previous image, or access the other tools on boot menu. the boot menu can be set to remain on screen for different lengths of time before it either boots into whatever you have set as default op sys, or you move mouse or touch window, in which case it sits there until you make a choice. Mine is set for the minimum 3 secs.
linux boot manager didn’t give option for how long it remains on screen, or what the default is? And, I wonder if it conflicts with the existing boot win10 manager?
I am surprised that there isn’t a switch for needing the pw with every install.
the new box is the one with linux? perhaps joplin runs faster on linux? how about other apps?
I hadn’t considered using virtualization. I wonder if setting that up will make my life more or less complicated (I used one many years ago, and it did take some work) than just using the boot menu offered by linux. I didn’t think to have a fear of boot menu since I have used one with Windows and Macrium for years on 4 systems, with no issues. My data is on a separate partition from op sys. And I do have images to revert to.
and now I have to figure out if the linux boot menu will conflict with the boot menu that I currently use, or they will simply become one.