Dualbooting Linux and Windows

[*Chazz]

I realize that this thread may be similar to other prior threads. If so just send me the link.

 

Recently my interest has peaked in dualbooting Windows, and Linux. I have taken a programming class which utilixed the Linux command shell, and would like to learn more about what Linux can do.I have scoured youtube and it seems like everyone has there own style to a certain extent. I am planning to use Linux Mint (MATE, because it's suppose to use less resources, and yet be functional. Whether it really matters who knows...at least not me). As I have investigated I have developed concerns for making sure I don't brick my computer as well. I have backed up my windows files with "File History", and also made a windows usb boot drive. With this kind of preparation, I imagine that even if I did destroy my windows partition I could still reinstall it and be all good. 

 

I have been able boot from a usb that has been flashed with Linux Mint, but chose not to install due to the reservations that I have described above. I am also planning to us "EasyBCD" to make it easy to switch between the two.

 

-My main question is, what is your experience with dualbooting, and are there things to watch out for?

 

-Also what are the chances that Linux could write to the windows partition after it is completely installed? Particularly by accident as well?

 

-And if I were to do a "System Image" back up, would it include the Linux partition as well? (More of a curiosity question)

 

Many thanks in advance for the help.

[asdf2061]

Have you tried virtualization?

[Electronics Wizardy]

9 minutes ago, *Chazz said:

I have backed up my windows files with "File History",

Not a backup, get a external hdd

 

Have you considered using hyper-v to make a linux vm?

 

You don't ned easy bcd, just use grub, it is installed with linu

 

It won't just write over it unless you tell it to in the installer.

 

system image wounldnt incude linux, you can use dd in linux do do this.

[*Chazz]

5 minutes ago, I_IHaveNoLife_l said:

Have you tried virtualization?

11 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

 

Have you considered using hyper-v to make a linux vm?

No, not to sure if my laptop can handle it. It is a Sony Viao that is about 2 years old. Yes I know it is pretty low end. It was given to me and it does just about everything that I want it do. I have dug into the settings though and I do believe that I can do that. Don't think that it work to well. That call is coming from 0 experience though with virtual machines.

 

Specs as follow,

 

CPU: i5-3337U

RAM: 6GB

64 bit of course.

The graphics card is of course integrated. It can run some very basic games. I have no idea what the specs are.

13 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Not a backup, get a external hdd

I do have it on an external hard drive. I just used the "file history" program in windows to back up my physical files.

 

I suppose I will have to also look into grub and how that works.

[Jacktastic-Mofo]

5 minutes ago, *Chazz said:

snip

Yes, you can run virtualization on the CPU. It makes life WAY easier and you don't even have to wipe your HDD or reboot the system to do it. You can also try ALL sorts of Linux Distros. I recommend starting off using Virtual Box- great free and easy to use software.

[*Chazz]

2 minutes ago, Jacktastic-Mofo said:

Yes, you can run virtualization on the CPU. It makes life WAY easier and you don't even have to wipe your HDD or reboot the system to do it. You can also try ALL sorts of Linux Distros. I recommend starting off using Virtual Box- great free and easy to use software.

Ok cool, I think I will look into virtual box and give that a try thanks.

[GuyNamedBrad]

Personally, I wouldn't use a VM if you looking for performance when using the other secondary os but its just my thoughts. Also dual booting isn't hard, its pretty simple with USB installers and the chances it will overwrite another partition is highly unlikely, since the only time this could happen is if you a) manually overwrite or format the windows partition via a partition editor or b) mount the windows partition and play with the files on it. If you made a system image on windows before adding Linux to the discs/partition to image it will just rewrite the windows partition back not the Linux, so pretty much windows image will only cover windows. Also GRUB is pretty easy to use most distro's will auto install it so you don't have to worry about it to much.

[Noahz]

Don't use a VM. The general experience doesn't even compare to dual booting.

 

It's really easy to dual boot with the modern distros. There's very little chance that it will over write your Windows partitions

Unless you're install Arch from scratch, then it should go fine.

 

[CRSaka..]

16 hours ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Have you considered using hyper-v to make a linux vm?

It looks like you're going this route.

 

I support your going this route until you are more comfortable answering this question on your own. Not because we won't help you, but because this is a fundemental concept. Try installing Arch or Gentoo on a vm. It'll teach you a lot about the Linux install process and the system architecture.

 

There are several benefits to native linux, but they are mostly performance related. So if you've recently been tempted to run a dual boot for something like convenience then stick to the VM for now. Until you are comfortable enough with Linux to warrant the potential risk of wiping your drive. Linux is not the bowling lane with bumpers, and the ball (install) could easily end up in the gutter (with certain distrobutions).

[*Chazz]

Hey thanks for the advice. I went ahead and went with virtual box like you guys suggested. I was able to get it running without to much trouble. Now, I have another question, is it possible to attach a second set of peripherals and use those to run the VM? I have googled this but can't seem to come up with a solid answer. Or one that is simple. Can I do it via the settings or are there more details to handle? Many thanks.

[*Chazz]

On 9/8/2016 at 1:58 PM, CRSaka.. said:

 Try installing Arch or Gentoo on a vm. It'll teach you a lot about the Linux install process and the system architecture.

 

I think that I will give that a go when I have a bit of time. If it is more of a manual process I think I would really enjoy learning the system architecture. Especially in the future when I may generate an interest in even more basic forms of Linux. Thanks for the advice.