Should Linux dual boot?

The operating system is the lifeblood of a PC, determining software compatibility and how the hardware interacts. If you're considering Linux for the first time, it's understandable to worry about replacing an existing operating system, whether it's Windows or macOS.

With dual boot, you have two operating systems available to boot on the same machine. However, dual booting is not without problems. Please consider the following factors before taking action

Advantages of Linux dual boot

Is dual booting worth doing? Let's start with the reasons why you should dual boot Linux.

1. Get the most out of gaming

Native gaming on Windows gets better support, but Linux has come a long way too. More games are available for this operating system, and Valve's selection of Proton means you can play a lot of Windows-only games well on Linux. But ultimately, most PC game publishers develop, test, and ship their games on Windows.

But what about older games (16-bit)? Modern Windows (64-bit) architectures cannot handle them, while Linux provides smooth support for 16-bit programs through both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Thanks to Wine, many Windows applications can run just fine. So if you want the best gaming capabilities, both old and new, dual boot.

2. Better performance than virtual machines

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When running an operating system natively on a machine, as opposed to a virtual machine, the operating system has full access to the host machine. This means that dual booting provides more access to hardware components and, in general, is faster than using a virtual machine.

Virtual machines often require more system resources, so running Linux or Windows inside a virtual machine requires a machine with quite powerful specifications for good performance. If you have an old or cheap computer, running a second operating system using VirtualBox or similar software may not be a viable solution.

3. Higher software compatibility

You may find that many of your favorite programs don't work as well in one operating system as they do in others. For example, in the early years, Netflix did not support streaming on Linux. After that, many professional software do not have options for Linux, such as Photoshop and the rest of the Adobe toolkit.

On the other hand, Linux has a growing selection of free software designed just for free desktop use. These apps are free alternatives to the tools you pay for on Windows or macOS. You also don't have to worry about being tracked, because "free" on Linux doesn't mean an ad-sponsored app. They are literally free.

Installing two operating systems ensures access to all the programs and services you need.

4. Programming is (sometimes) better on Linux

If you want to get into the programming world, Linux has many advantages. It's free, which is always a big plus. Then there are many languages ​​included including Java, PHP, Ruby, Perl, Python and C/C++, countless coding applications and Bash support. Linux knowledge can also look great on a resume, as familiarity with this ecosystem is essential.

If you want to develop software for Windows or Mac, you can absolutely use Linux (but it's usually better to write application code for a native operating system). For example, Windows has the extremely powerful Visual Studio and this is the go-to for Windows applications. Consider dual-booting for programming and using Linux as a development environment.

5. Dual booting is really easy

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There is a misconception that Linux is complicated. Agreed, the command line can be a bit daunting for first time users, but you don't need to use the command line on Linux anymore. Many Linux desktops are actually simpler than the proprietary options. Just because something is unfamiliar doesn't mean it's hard to use.

Similarly, dual booting is a necessity. There are guidelines in place to ensure a smooth installation. For example, always make sure to install Linux after the main operating system (failure to do so can lead to problems with booting). File sharing is also possible, as Linux allows access to many Windows files.

Disadvantages of Linux Dual Boot

As with any installation scenario, there are some downsides that you should also consider.

1. Increasing complexity

While the installation isn't terribly difficult, sharing files across two operating systems can be a challenge. Linux generally provides easy access to Windows files, but accessing the Linux file system through Windows is a bit more complicated. Linux primarily uses the EXT4 or Btrfs file system, and Windows requires a third-party application to achieve compatibility. While the installation process can be quite simple, uninstalling has the potential to create a mess.

Overall, a dual-boot setup isn't as challenging as many other tech tasks, but it will require a bit of patience and ingenuity. If you can't handle some of these kieru issues, consider skipping the dual-boot setup.

2. A Virtual Machine Might Be All You Need

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As discussed earlier, virtual machines are a great solution to run one operating system in another. You can use virtual machines to run Linux inside Windows or macOS. Or you can run Windows or macOS inside a virtual machine on Linux.

Also, it's relatively easy to install and uninstall. Deleting an operating system is like deleting a program and has nothing to do with bootloader or partition management.

Choosing a VM solution will take up more hard drive space and system resources than dual-booting. Older hardware may not be suitable for running virtual machines, whether due to lack of hard drive space or low system specifications. Furthermore, the operating system in the virtual machine may not have full access to hardware such as the microphone, camera, or optical drive.

Have you decided to go for a Linux dual boot?

There are many reasons to use Linux alongside Windows or Mac. Dual booting Linux has its pros and cons. This can be extremely rewarding, especially for those looking to make a foray into the Linux ecosystem. It allows you to discover something new without completely breaking away from the familiar.

And if you're not satisfied with your new Linux experience, you can safely switch back to a Windows-only setup.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 30 March 2022