Beginner's guide to setting up a Linux machine

[Kak]

Considering a switch to Linux for my computers... Every time in the past that I have ever tried this... It has been a project of epic proportions. Does it ever just get to a place where you are using it like an actual computer?

With my security, browsing anonymity and privacy becoming of greater concern... I'd like to try again.

Is Ubuntu the best ticket in town for a newbie? I know it will take some getting used to, but screw Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google. All four have earned as much distance as I can get away from them.

 

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[sparechange]

 

[YanC]

Considering a switch to Linux for my computers... Every time in the past that I have ever tried this... It has been a project of epic proportions. Does it ever just get to a place where you are using it like an actual computer?

With my security, browsing anonymity and privacy becoming of greater concern... I'd like to try again.

Is Ubuntu the best ticket in town for a newbie? I know it will take some getting used to, but screw Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google. All four have earned as much distance as I can get away from them.

I switched after reading a post on this thread around 1-2 months ago. I'm very pleased with it ! Setting it up has been straightforward (I used to be kind of a geek but I don't know much more than the average Joe anymore). It looks much like Windows but it feels "cleaner" (doesn't seem like there are a million useless things running in the background). I use Linux Mint which was the version talked about here.

I now run it 99% of the time. I only use Windows to work on my photography as Linux doesn't have a good enough alternative to Adobe products. The rest is fine. The standard set up lets you create partitions and keep your Windows, which could be useful if you need some specific software Linux lacks. The process is much easier than it sounds.

 

[The-J]

I've been on Linux since Nov 2018.

Currently running Ubuntu (KDE Plasma) 18.04 LTS on a Thinkpad T580, likely going to upgrade to 20.04 very soon. I've tried Mint (super slow booting from NVMe drives, maybe this problem has been fixed I don't know), Debian (blazing fast but more work than I wanted to do, particularly for security) and Arch (something I played with on a virtual machine, WAY too much work but if you're into that sort of thing then it's awesome)

My tips:

- Don't put a Linux distro on your main machine if you're not completely comfortable setting it up. I don't dual boot to Windows. I haven't needed a Windows machine in a long time.
- Don't install Linux on a laptop that isn't a Thinkpad, Macbook, or a Dell XPS. You will hate trying to set it up. Maybe avoid newer Macbooks as well (2016 on). There are a million reasons for this but most of them have to do with UEFI, SecureBoot and hardware drivers
- If you're going to build a PC, build it with Linux in mind. Make sure that each part has a driver that is easily compatible with Linux. Bonus points if the driver is free/open source.
- AMD > Intel and Nvidia for Linux.
- Everyone's got their own opinion about this stuff: find your own truth. I'm sure @Cyberthal and I disagree on a lot of points when it comes to setting up one of these, but that doesn't mean that either of us are wrong.

Most people in the Linux world are either sysadmins or software developers. Their perspective is going to be very different from someone who runs businesses and is mainly concerned about having a secure machine that can do what they want with as little hiccup as possible. All Linux users can generally agree that we don't want government backdoors in our software or firmware and we're willing to spend additional time and energy with our tech to make sure to minimize this as much as possible.

 

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[Bekit]

Taking suggestions for a thread title, I can move the posts into its own separate thread.

Beginner's guide to setting up a Linux machine

Linux thread: resources, products, and how to

Switching to Linux discussion

Linux setup: how, why, what to get


I want this thread.

Please teach me your secrets, oh Linux masters.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

New thread created, enjoy!

 

[YanC]

Taking suggestions for a thread title, I can move the posts into its own separate thread.

I'll let native speakers come up with a title that makes sense, but maybe the thread could be more broadly about privacy issues, with Linux as a starting point. A computer OS is a big one, but it is also about emails, messaging apps, data storage, phones, browsers... Once you start thinking about it you can go very far.

Just a suggestion

 

[BrianLateStart]

I've been using Linux since the late 90's and Ubuntu since warty warthog back in 2004. Most of that has been running servers, but I always keep a Linux virtual machine on my computers.

Linux is great for 2 types of users. Those that are system administrators that are running servers or those that just use a web browser and email (chromebook users). I'm not going to discuss the first group since the people here aren't looking to be system administrators.

There's a lot of comments here on getting it installed. Getting it installed is the easy part.

I'm trying to run a very small FastLane business where I invented and manufactured my own product out of my garage. There's no way I could have done it using Linux, and I'm very familiar with it. It's when you try to do things outside of web browsing it trips you up. There's free opensource software for everything you could possibly want to do. The software works but it just isn't up to par with with higher end software from Adobe and Apple and Microsoft. The more software you install, the more times you find out that Linux app needs a different version of an obscure library that's not installed on your system and you spend days figuring out a work around instead of getting work done.

I'm not a professional video editor, but I tried a lot of video editing software for my YouTube channel. Final Cut Pro saves me so much time that I couldn't afford not to use it. Another benefit from using professional software is the tutorials on Youtube for learning it are done by other professionals and I find them to be much better than the average instructional video on how to learn iMovie.

There's some amazing free CAD software (Fusion 360) that I designed my product on. Fusion 360 doesn't run on Linux. There are some CAD applications that run on Linux, but once again, you're always trying to find something that might do the job, not do a great job.

Bought a new digital camera? It probably came with some nice software for editing RAW images and many other cool features. Most likely it doesn't run on Linux. You will find something for Linux, but it won't be near as nice or have the level of support that something from Canon or Nikon has.

Need one of your Kindle books open while your working on something. No kindle app for Linux, but you might get it working with wine.

My house has been automated for years, but the software that controls it doesn't run on Linux.

I use Notion as my tool of choice for knowledge capture and tracking everything. I could use the web interface on Linux, but it isn't as nice as using the actual App. You always feel like a second class citizen on Linux

I could go on and on. The more you do with a computer, the less likely Linux is going to work well for you. I haven't really touched on getting new innovative hardware with specialized drivers that require interaction with computers working.

Now don't think I hate Linux, because I don't. I think every computer should have a virtual machine running Linux on it. I think it's perfect when your surfing on public wifi at the local coffee shop It's a much more secure environment and better isolates and protects your host operating system. This is one of the things Linux does amazingly well. Want even more protection? Install Linux on a thumb drive and boot your computer from that when you're on public wifi.

 

[BrianLateStart]

To get this thread back on track as a beginners guide, here's my recommendation for someone wanting try out Linux (or other operating system).

Summary of what's involved and how I would recommend getting started with Linux

• Install free virtual machine software (VM) on your computer. VirtualBox or VM Player are good choices .
  • What's a VM? It's software that simulates the hardware of another computer . It allows you to install another OS that's completely contained within your VM. It's not just about running Linux. It's a blank computer that can run almost any OS as long you have the installation files. Have an old program that only runs on Windows 95 or Windows 7? If you have the Windows installation files, you can install it and run in your VM! VirtualBox or VM Player can control multipul OS. You can have Windows 95, Ubuntu, Mint Linux all controlled by the same VM. You would need enough free diskspace to store all the necessary files for multiple OSs. Common terms are Host and Guest OS. The Host OS is the OS the you are running your Vitrual Machine on. The Guest OS is the OS(s) you want to run inside the VM.
  • Why install in a VM instead of directly onto your computer? A VM is probably the least destructive and easiest way to try out an OS. Installing directly on your computer typically requires creating a separate space (partition) on your drive or completely overwriting what's on your computer. Partitioning isn't for the faint at heart if you care about keeping what's currently on you're computer. It's easy to break your working computer.
  • Disadvantages of using a VM instead of directly installing on your computer. As mentioned, a VM is software that simulates a complete, additional computer. It's just a program. But, it's a program that's running a complete additional computer. It needs all the resources that an additional computer needs. It needs to meet the minimum disk space and memory requirements. Your computer is now running two complete operating systems at the same time. You're probably not going to be able to run CPU intensive applications at very fast speeds if you're running it on lower spec hardware with out a lot of available memory.
• How to get Linux (or other OS) installed in your VM. Looking at the complete picture, a working VM consistent of your VM software (VirtualBox or VM Player) and the installed OS(s). The installed OS will typically be in a .VDI file in a folder ithat it creates at the time you install the OS. It usually puts them in a folder called something like 'My Virtual Machines' on Windows. If you install multiple OSs in your VM, each OS will have it's own .VDI file. The .VDI file is the complete OS, applications, user settings, preferences, etc for that computer. It is the complete computer. Since this .VDI file is complete, it's also portable. Want to have your linux installation on your laptop and desktop? Install VirtualBox on both computers and copy the .VDI to each machine.
  • Get your Linux version by downloading an already created .VDI file. This is the fastest and safest way to try a Linux. It doesn't require any installation because .VDI file are an installed instance. Just download the .VDI and point VirtualBox to it and run your new OS(s). f you google for virtual machine images there are many sites that have prebuilt machines. Pretty much any flavor of Linux can be found. Many are customized with applications for creative users, games, servers, etc. One site for example is: VirtualBox Images (I'm not saying I recommend this site, just googled it as an example, have never used it). Common drawback to using a .VDI is the image is exactly as it looked the last time it was saved. Maybe that was 5 years ago and is out of date.
  • Get your linux version by downloading an .iso file. This is the 'traditional' way to install Linux. An .iso file is another form of disk image. it is how most Linux distributions are downloaded and installed. Visit, your linux of choice, like ubuntu.com and you'll see a download section. Even within Ubuntu, you'll see many different versions. Some for desktops, some for servers, LTS versions (Long Term Support, recommended), non LTS, etc. When you run VitrualBox you can choose the install from .iso option. This is more complex than using .VDI method. Installing from .iso on VM is almost identical to installing on the physical machine. It will need to create a partition and set up its other requirements. These steps can be a little cryptic, but you'll end up with a more up to date system then a .VDI. You'll also know how to install it on your physical machine if you decide you need the added speed.
• Run your downloaded image(s) and see how well it works with your computer hardware. Now that you have your VM setup, give them a try. You can easily delete ones you don't like and install others. There's a lot of flexibility with VMs.
  • Made a lot of customization to your VM and you really like it, but now you want the speed of it running directly on your computer instead of inside a VM? There's tools that will allow you to convert your .VDI file to an .iso. Now you can install that .iso directly on your computer and it will be exactly like it was in the VM, but now you won't be running two operating systems.
  • Like your VM, but wish it was a little faster? If your not needing to your Host OS that's already running Windows, you can install a very lightweight version of Linux as the Host OS. Install the Linux version of VirtualBox on it. Then add your preferred Linux Guest OS. You're still running Two OSs at the same time, but the lightweight version of Linux as the Host should use much less resources than Windows leaving more resources for the guest OS.

There's thousands of ways to try Linux. This is an approach that I've used and found easy to do. I don't recommend spending a lot of time (unless you're committed to using Linux) learning Linux just for trial purposes. I've mentioned in an earlier post that the more heavy of a computer user you are, I think the less likely Linux will work for you. This approach will at least let you see for yourself without a lot of extra work. Kind of the MVP for Linux trials.

 

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[loop101]

I'm Canadian, and don't know how it works for Americans, according to Trumps FB talking about not needing voter ID.. had to look into it myself.

View attachment 36326

Uh, what!? So I could literally walk across the border and vote in a no document required state!? Holy...

Maybe I'll try my luck for President in 2024... heck why not, we will M triple A, Make America Amazing Again.

Nice!

So I am not foreign to geeking out on stuff...

I run two computers personally... A Ryzen PC that I built myself on an MSI motherboard and also a Macbook Air for travel.

Every time I try some Linux distro, I ultimately tell my wife to shoot me before I try that again.

Some of the services I need to make work properly include: Skype, OneDrive, Signal, Authy and Nord VPN.

For the radio show, I run a software called Hindenberg Journalist Pro. It looks like I will need to use "Wine" to make that work with Linux. I will also probably have to ditch OneDrive for something with a Linux application, like DropBox.

Now... Almost EVERYTHING else I do on a computer is just browser based, and the recognition of that makes me more committed to the transition to Linux.

Now, should I just dump the Macbook Air for a PC laptop if I decide to do this?

I would hang on the Macbook in case you need it in the future.

Debian is the "wide river" that most other Linux desktops derive from. It is hard-core open source, and a lot of fancy stuff doesn't work because they require non-open-source software. Things like graphics and audio cards that manufacturers wont reveal the details on. Don't use Debian unless you want to learn a ton about Linux.

Ubuntu is a good "Windows replacement", they are the dominant desktop Linux. It is based on the development branch of Debian, with proprietary drivers usually enabled and a nice default graphical environment.

Linux Mint is Ubuntu made to be even *more* like Windows, it is even easier to use for complete Newbies. Linux Mint can be *harder* to fix when it breaks, because LM is sitting on top of Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is sitting on top of Debian.

Pop OS! is a version on Ubuntu made by hardware manufacturer System76, optimized for their systems, and a few of the Ubuntu things removed. If you ever want to buy an actual "Linux laptop", I would suggest System76.

IMHO, the only way to learn Linux, is to run it - exclusively. You don't have to burn your boats on the beaches to prevent you from running back to Windows/Mac, but it helps. If you can run back to what you know, you'll never be forced to learn the new stuff. Once you do learn the new stuff, you'll never have to buy software again, and you will be the master of your computer.

Meerkat

System76 computers empower the world's curious and capable makers of tomorrow

system76.com

Lemur Pro

The most portable, long-lasting, expandable laptop. Work untethered.

system76.com

 

[Primeperiwinkle]

Guys, can you make this section about Linux its own thread? I don’t understand all of it and I’d like to. I’m gonna use my iOS to Google a thing to switch to from the bad thing.. when I can figure those out. *cough

 

[Sethamus]

Guys, can you make this section about Linux it’s own thread? I don’t understand all of it and I’d like to. I’m gonna use my iOS to Google a thing to switch to from the bad thing.. when I can figure those out. *cough

No need for code, you are probably on the TRACK list.

 

[BizyDad]

I second the request for a screw big tech go linux thread.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

I second the request for a screw big tech go linux thread.

Taking suggestions for a thread title, I can move the posts into its own separate thread.

 

[Thoelt53]

One's first foray into Linux should NOT be dual booting Windows and Linux. It is a fragile arrangement and shouldn't be trusted in production, much less critical production. An intermediate user AT DUALBOOTING could use it for secondary production. E.g. a laptop that can fail because you have a desktop.

The substitute for Parler is Gab.

Don’t suggest that people be pussies. So long as their data is backed up, there is nothing to fear. I have fragged many-a Windows 10 machine attempting to dual boot Linux. All works out if you put in the time. GRUB and Windows boot loader don’t play nice. But it’s totally doable.

If you can build a business, building a Linux machine is elementary. Patience is the only requirement. Just don’t jeopardize your data.

 

[Cyberthal]

Sounds good to me. Great way to learn Linux is to use it to rescue your obsolete hardware that can no longer run the secure version of Windows or MacOS. Linux performance breathes new life, and CLI-centric usage is resource cheap. Plus someone's already figured out the driver issues.

 

[Daniel.]

I think every computer should have a virtual machine running Linux on it. I think it's perfect when your surfing on public wifi at the local coffee shop It's a much more secure environment and better isolates and protects your host operating system. This is one of the things Linux does amazingly well. Want even more protection? Install Linux on a thumb drive and boot your computer from that when you're on public wifi.

Just saw this but protection from what? Yes, intruders trying to penetrate your computer but what about the unencrypted packets flowing through the pipe? How will running Linux on a public WiFi protect from someone intercepting data? I hope I'm not coming off the wrong way, just trying to address a common misconception that some less tech-savvy people might think that running Linux is the ultimate secure machine.

Never connect to a public WiFi without a VPN.

 

[Kak]

I switched after reading a post on this thread around 1-2 months ago. I'm very pleased with it ! Setting it up has been straightforward (I used to be kind of a geek but I don't know much more than the average Joe anymore). It looks much like Windows but it feels "cleaner" (doesn't seem like there are a million useless things running in the background). I use Linux Mint which was the version talked about here.

I now run it 99% of the time. I only use Windows to work on my photography as Linux doesn't have a good enough alternative to Adobe products. The rest is fine. The standard set up lets you create partitions and keep your Windows, which could be useful if you need some specific software Linux lacks. The process is much easier than it sounds.

Nice!

So I am not foreign to geeking out on stuff...

I run two computers personally... A Ryzen PC that I built myself on an MSI motherboard and also a Macbook Air for travel.

Every time I try some Linux distro, I ultimately tell my wife to shoot me before I try that again.

Some of the services I need to make work properly include: Skype, OneDrive, Signal, Authy and Nord VPN.

For the radio show, I run a software called Hindenberg Journalist Pro. It looks like I will need to use "Wine" to make that work with Linux. I can also just go back to Audacity, which will be easier given the new mic totally eliminating all background noise and the lessened need for processing of the sound.

I will also probably have to ditch OneDrive for something with a Linux application, like DropBox.

Now... Almost EVERYTHING else I do on a computer is just browser based, and the recognition of that makes me more committed to the transition to Linux.

Now, should I just dump the Macbook Air for a PC laptop if I decide to do this?

 

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[Madame Peccato]

Some of the services I need to make work properly include: Skype, OneDrive, Signal, Authy and Nord VPN.

NordVPN has a Linux client, and Skype has a Web version (web.skype.com). Authy and Signal also seem to have a Linux app (Debian based, so they will work fine on Mint or Ubuntu) judging by their websites. OneDrive is unusable on Linux though so you will have to switch as you said.

As for your Mac, you can install Linux on a Mac...is it a viable option? I don't know, but the possibility exists.

 

[Madame Peccato]

So, where I am at with this...

F11 boot menu won't work with my bluetooth keyboard and mouse, so I have a crappy old corded keyboard to do that with.

Tried Ubuntu yesterday, got as far as installing my Opera browser and it installed it twice. Once like normal and another one that was all corrupt. I also couldn't remove the corrupt one from the system. It then decided to not let me install anything.

Tried Mint today, it won't run my screen at 60htz even with the Nividia drivers installed. Deal broken.

Tried Ubuntu again today, install wouldn't finish this time. LOL

As you can see, I am remembering why this pisses me off. Meanwhile, my Windows partition is smooth sailing and gets work done.

While you try to resolve your issues with Linux, I suggest working on your Windows system if you haven't already.

The most important thing is to disable telemetery (your pc sends data to Microsoft constantly), check how to do it here, especially Method 2 and 3.

I don't know if you can actually disable all of the telemetery for good, perhaps someone with deeper knowledge of Windows can chime in and let us know, but this is a good first step to regain some privacy.

 

[Daniel.]

With my security, browsing anonymity and privacy becoming of greater concern... I'd like to try again.

Considering the above statement, it seems like your main concern is simply online privacy. If that's the case, then I suggest a paid VPN. What is the use of running a Linux machine if you're browsing unencrypted and having all your queries logged?

There's no doubt that running Linux is much more secure and less of a resource-hog over Windows, that's not up for debate but for me personally, Windows is just too convenient since I run Adobe products as well as other software that requires Windows. I run Linux on a VM as well as a few Docker images running PiHole DNS and other crap.

If you really want security at home, set up your own firewall - all ISP provided hardware is crap, when's the last time those things have had an update? I run pfSense and have setup separate VLANs for device groups - such as IOT stuff that I don't want communicating out but that gets a bit more technical.

The point of my post is to get a bit of clarification as to what exactly you're trying to resolve since it's a bit vague.

TL;DR If your main concern is online privacy, use a paid VPN

EDIT:
This is the equivalent to replacing your entire car 'cause there's a street full of salesmen that you don't like, billboards, etc so everyone is suggesting what car/features to get that'll deter these people when y'know, you can simply take a different street and tint your windows.

 

[chimichangatime]

My $0.02... I've been using Linux since about 1992 when it was VERY young. I used Slackware for years, then moved to Ubuntu about 6-7 years ago.

I do a lot of development/coding, but I also have done some writing (fiction). I make my own covers. I use Reaper to make music. Spotify works natively. Firefox > Chrome. I know not everyone agrees, but I learned photo editing on GIMP so Photoshop was always clunky to me.

It's valid to say there's a lot of "alternative" stuff that's not as good,. Keep looking, there's a LOT of good stuff and it's only getting better every year.

WINE 6.0 was just released, and Steam has a really great compatibility layer (I think it's an offshoot of WINE but don't quote me on that).

@Andy Black Yes, MacOSX is based on FreeBSD, which has a more restrictive license than Linux, which is based on System V and uses the open source license. Both FreeBSD and System V are derivatives of the old Unix of the 70s. I had a MacBook Pro and I liked it, but Chrome and Firefox in MacOS are really just Safari because Apple won't let any other browser "engine" in the store. Stuff like that rubs me the wrong way.

I'm always on the latest Ubuntu (20.10) and it works great for my needs. In fact, my Brother multi-function printer refuses to wake up from Windows and fails to scan half the time, but works flawlessly from Ubuntu.

@BrianLateStart, there's no Kindle app, but Calibre is cross-platform and has an EPUB reader that works fine. I'm reading The Untethered Soul in it right now, in fact.

Linux isn't for everyone, but once you've figured out what you're doing, it's really easy and will meet most of your needs with little difficulty. If you've got really specific needs, though, you just have to suck it up sometimes.

 

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[Beerbread]

Considering a switch to Linux for my computers... Every time in the past that I have ever tried this... It has been a project of epic proportions. Does it ever just get to a place where you are using it like an actual computer?

With my security, browsing anonymity and privacy becoming of greater concern... I'd like to try again.

Is Ubuntu the best ticket in town for a newbie? I know it will take some getting used to, but screw Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Google. All four have earned as much distance as I can get away from them.

I love Ubuntu! There's a little bit of a learning curve but there's a ton of information on how to get started. If I didn't have to rely on Adobe and maybe Affinity I would have made the switch already. You can use Wine if you have to use a Windows program but you might have mixed results.

 

[loop101]

NordVPN has a Linux client, and Skype has a Web version (web.skype.com). Authy and Signal also seem to have a Linux app (Debian based, so they will work fine on Mint or Ubuntu) judging by their websites. OneDrive is unusable on Linux though so you will have to switch as you said.

As for your Mac, you can install Linux on a Mac...is it a viable option? I don't know, but the possibility exists.

You can install Linux on a Mac, but it is a waste of a Mac. You can also run MacOS on a non-Mac, but it is/was a pain in the butt.

 

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[loop101]

Nice!

So I am not foreign to geeking out on stuff...

I run two computers personally... A Ryzen PC that I built myself on an MSI motherboard and also a Macbook Air for travel.

Every time I try some Linux distro, I ultimately tell my wife to shoot me before I try that again.

Some of the services I need to make work properly include: Skype, OneDrive, Signal, Authy and Nord VPN.

For the radio show, I run a software called Hindenberg Journalist Pro. It looks like I will need to use "Wine" to make that work with Linux. I can also just go back to Audacity, which will be easier given the new mic totally eliminating all background noise and the lessened need for processing of the sound.

I will also probably have to ditch OneDrive for something with a Linux application, like DropBox.

Now... Almost EVERYTHING else I do on a computer is just browser based, and the recognition of that makes me more committed to the transition to Linux.

Now, should I just dump the Macbook Air for a PC laptop if I decide to do this?

I would get a new SSD hard-drive for you Ryzen PC, and hang on to the old one with Windows on it. Then, just install Linux on the new SSD, and see if it works out. If not, just put in the old hard-drive.

If you have a "tower", maybe get a removable HD enclosure, and pop them in and out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000E2Y8P/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

 

[Kak]

I would get a new SSD hard-drive for you Ryzen PC, and hang on to the old one with Windows on it. Then, just install Linux on the new SSD, and see if it works out. If not, just put in the old hard-drive.

If you have a "tower", maybe get a removable HD enclosure, and pop them in and out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000E2Y8P/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

It already has two hard drives... One giant spinning one for files and one M.2 for programs and operating systems.

My thought as of now is a partition on the M.2. Theoretically, Linux should see the second hard drive full of my files and allow access which would be cool. If Linux is a long term go, and that would require at least a month of using it for work without toying around with everything... Then I will delete the windows partition and expand the linux partition to the rest of the M.2.

The mac is used almost exclusively for browser based applications. So that wouldn't be a big deal as long as it works right.

 

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[loop101]

It already has two hard drives... One giant spinning one for files and one M.2 for programs and operating systems.

My thought as of now is a partition on the M.2. Theoretically, Linux should see the second hard drive full of my files and allow access which would be cool. If Linux is a long term go, and that would require at least a month of using it for work without toying around with everything... Then I will delete the windows partition and expand the linux partition to the rest of the M.2.

The mac is used almost exclusively for browser based applications. So that wouldn't be a big deal as long as it works right.

Rerpartioning and installing a Linux bootloader on your first (Windows) drive might be tricky, probably impossible if you use Bitlocker. I use to use Clonezilla to make an image copy of my C: hard-drive, before I tried to repartition it. I've just seen a lot of Windows machines rendered unbootable by trying to dual-boot Linux on them, so I avoid it now.

Could you split your big 2nd drive in to 2 partitions, one for Linux (Ext4) and one for Data (Fat32), then have your BIOS boot off the 2nd drive when you wanted to run Linux (change the default)? Linux might need a small 1GB boot partiton at the front of the drive, and then you could EXT4 and FAT32 partitions. Maybe a Linux swap partion, so 3-4 total partitions.

 

[loop101]

Taking suggestions for a thread title, I can move the posts into its own separate thread.

Maybe

• "Switch to Open Source Software"
• "Open Source Software"
• "Open Source Switch"

?

 

[Cyberthal]

One's first foray into Linux should NOT be dual booting Windows and Linux. It is a fragile arrangement and shouldn't be trusted in production, much less critical production. An intermediate user AT DUALBOOTING could use it for secondary production. E.g. a laptop that can fail because you have a desktop.

The substitute for Parler is Gab.

 

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[Kak]

I'm sure all your computers are bi in the most macho sense possible.

However. If one does something risky to one's production machine, and downtime results, sometimes that causes problems in other areas of one's life, which were depending on said computer working.

Therefore critical production machines should be configured for reliability, not flexibility.

And since most people's personal IT infrastructure lacks robustness, the warning is a basic ethical necessity.

While I am not concerned in the slightest about hurting the computer... I actually agree! Making sure my business and communications are flawless is of upmost importance.

That said, in the unlikely event that I happen to fry this M.2 drive, I will just buy another.

My data is backed up all kinds of ways. I could throw this computer in a lake and still finish the work day.

 

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