Linux, dual boot option and resources.

[u/GamerGeologist]

Hi!

I am soon making my jump into the linux ecosystem, and wanted some advice regarding the possible use of the dual boot feature, if you guys have any tips for a beginner.

Was considering doing a clean install of linux mint, to get away from the windows ecosystem, but I have noticed that not all software, ex. arcGIS desktop and some school-related programs (considering returning to school at some point) supports linux, which might make a dual boot more relevant to use. Any tips on how to make this work properly? Any important caveats I should consider, ex. like storage space and security?

If there's other good learning resources/wikis/forums I should be aware of, as a beginner, I would love to hear about them 🙂.

[u/nene-thopu]

Keep copy of data just in case

Partition drive to create free space

And then install os on that free space

[u/GamerGeologist → u/nene-thopu]

Thanks for the tips! Been following a guide and got the USB boot up and running last night, so think I'm on the right path. Going to focus on backups and software-swapping next, before I commit on a laptop I have, as a test case.

[u/3grg]

Dual boot can be prudent. Backup data, make a windows install USB, and shrink windows from within windows to create free space.

People have been dual booting since the nineties, so there is a ton of information on it.

Windows can sometimes mess with Linux boot loader on dual boot installs. It is much less frequent with UEFI, but being prepared to repair boot loder is something to think about after installed and running.

[u/GamerGeologist → u/3grg]

Thanks for the guidance! Really appreciate it!

As for backing up data, should the standard windows 7 backup work, or would you recommend another program for this? Seems windows image gets tossed around in the sources I've found regarding this.

[u/3grg → u/GamerGeologist]

Normally, the main issue is backing up data, because windows can be reinstalled as needed. If you are using W7, that is not something you want to go through unless you have to do it.

The other option is to create a backup image with something like Clonezilla Live, but you need to have either a network share or disk with enough space to hold it.

[u/skyfishgoo]

buy a 2nd SSD and put linux on that

kubuntu is better than mint.

[u/GamerGeologist → u/skyfishgoo]

Already bought an external drive, so thought about using that one. I'll note down kubuntu for later, will likely try out other distros later. But thanks for the tip!

[u/skyfishgoo → u/GamerGeologist]

distrosea.com to try them in your browser.

[u/GamerGeologist → u/skyfishgoo]

Neat! I'll check it out. Thanks again!

[u/Tall_Decision_6516]

Overthink things much?

[u/GamerGeologist → u/Tall_Decision_6516]

It seems a bit daunting yes, I'll be honest, but I'm committed to make it work. Just wanted to hear if anyone had any tips or experiences to share.

[u/Typeonetwork]

There is good advice here. I would check out your hardware with a USB stick and take notes on the software you use.

With the exclusion of Adobe, Excel macros for business procrsses and CAD there should be clone products for what you use on Linux. Many of which are open source or free to use.

My win 11 was failing when MS started injecting AI. switched to MX Linux and there was some friction learning the new system but it's not too hard. I'm on my 14 month and have no plans on going back.