A single computer running three different operating systems for a 13-year-old.
A single computer running three different operating systems for a 13-year-old.
In everyday life I rely solely on Windows because of the software we require. However, during the upcoming school break I aim to teach my 13-year-old daughter about operating systems and installation. She should explore creating a flash drive, installing it, etc., using just one OS. With Windows 11, Chrome Flex (since they use Chrome books in school), and Linux, she can experiment freely. My old HP Z240 SFF has an i3-6100 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 120GB SSD (with an optional 250GB option). In past attempts I faced problems with multiple OS installations due to memory confusion, possibly linked to the UEFI setup. I want her to learn without running into frustration. I also note this machine has outdated BIOS and might struggle with non-Windows or dual OS setups. Some points to consider: 1. Will ChromeOS Flex run on all PCs? I tried installing regular Chrome OS and it failed; there seems to be an OS restriction. 2. Can three operating systems fit on one drive? I’m unsure if it’s feasible given the hardware constraints. 3. Is a 128GB SSD sufficient for three OSes? 4. Which Linux distribution suits her best? Mint resembles Windows but offers a different experience, while a non-Windows Linux could help distinguish it from Windows. 5. What should we do if we decide on one OS, and the order matters? I’m familiar with partitioning but worry about fragmentation.
Ensure your system meets the hardware requirements and that partitions are set up correctly. A 120GB drive is modest, but Windows 11 alone consumes roughly 30 to 40GB. Many users opt for separate storage drives for each OS during multiboot setups, though it’s not mandatory. It simplifies the process and makes things easier. In reality, multibooting multiple OSes is rare, even among IT professionals who handle numerous clients daily. I’d suggest teaching installations separately first, then gradually introducing multiboot once she understands the basics.
ChromeOS Flex is compatible with a wide range of systems, though it often encounters problems. The most straightforward approach is using three separate hard drives, one for each operating system. Partitions may help, but I usually prefer installing on a dedicated drive and directing the system there when needed. A 128GB drive will fill up quickly with just Windows, so consider a larger capacity if you plan to run multiple OSes. Linux Mint offers a good balance—it's user-friendly yet distinct from Windows. Once you become comfortable with command-line tools or file management, the differences become apparent. As long as all partitions reside on the same machine, it doesn't matter; just ensure the boot manager points to the right partition from the 7+ available options. I’d suggest virtual machines over dual or triple booting in this situation.
I don't really remember that from memory, because ChromeOS Flex's certified devices are mostly laptops. But one laptop in that list has a Haswell CPU and is compatible, which seems likely.
I think 120GB won't be enough for a triple boot. The smallest I'd suggest per OS partition is 120GB, but I usually go with at least 500GB SSD for single or dual-boot, particularly if you spend a lot of time using one of the OSes.
It's clear from what I've said before that space is essential for triple booting.
Mostly, I'd suggest starting with Mint XFCE since it feels quite similar to Windows. If you're feeling adventurous, try Xubuntu—it's lighter but less familiar from a Windows side. Other choices include Lubuntu, Ubuntu, and Trisquel. For a more Windows-like experience, Mint XFCE is the best pick. If you want your daughter to explore Arch, Manjaro or EndeavourOS could work, though I'm not very familiar with Arch.
I'm not an expert on choosing the first OS for multiboot beyond dual-boot. I'd recommend placing Linux as the second or third OS, since its GRUB menu is straightforward and functional.
Updated: November 18, 2024 by vanpuffelen
Thanks for the responses. The main issue with Chrome OS was it displayed many laptops and I might have chosen the wrong one. It seems they offer a customized OS for each model, so testing it separately might help decide if it’s suitable. I’ll check if I can borrow another SSD from a different PC. I currently have a 2TB HDD, but an SSD would be better. I hadn’t considered virtualization before, but it could become a useful topic for both of us. This setup should work on an older 6th-gen machine with an i3-6100 and 8GB RAM. I plan to start with a standard installation rather than virtualization, but if we go that route, using W11 as the host OS would be ideal since I use it for everyday tasks. Virtualizing Linux or Chrome could also be a good learning opportunity.
Virtualization seems effortless—start with it to understand the steps, then reverse them. Chrome OS Flex might not work well alongside other systems like bootloaders, possibly requiring a dedicated drive. Running Windows or Linux on the same drive offers a smoother experience. To prepare for teaching, try installing Linux first, then Windows, and observe the bootloader changes afterward. If you're focused on installation only, a 128 GB drive should suffice; otherwise aim for at least 256 GB.
I explored virtualisation options. For a daily PC use, type 2 seems preferable to avoid issues. I'm uncertain if the BIOS steps for type 1 work with my HP Z240, though it runs smoothly. For a free VM, I imagine something similar to regular Windows apps—like VMWare or VirtualBox. Would Hyper-V be available in W11 Pro, or would the Hyper-V option be hidden?
VmWare Workstation Pro is now available for personal use and remains the top choice on Windows hosts today. Hyper-V functions but doesn<|pad|> to offer limited quality of experience for graphical systems. VirtualBox runs slowly when Windows' built-in virtualization is active, whereas VmWare performs smoothly. To use it, you must turn on virtualization in the BIOS settings.
I didn't reply before. Today I tried VMWare and had to turn on VT-x in BIOS first. I set up Ubuntu and explored it a bit. Installing Linux in a VM feels similar to a regular install. She could practice that in a virtual environment. I believe my PC (i7-6700/16GB) isn't powerful enough for VM. Or maybe I misconfigured the CPU and memory settings. Several times in Ubuntu I lost my mouse pointer. I had to lock Windows and log back in to restore it. When watching YT in Ubuntu, the audio through the display was choppy. Memory usage reached 11GB and CPU usage hit 30% (though I wasn't sure if the VM had enough resources). Is this just a minor glitch or is it due to my old hardware? By the way, I actually sold that old PC I mentioned earlier. Now virtualization seems my only choice.