Choose between Linux or Windows for your gaming and programming needs.
Choose between Linux or Windows for your gaming and programming needs.
I have an older laptop as well; I plan to use it mainly for basic programming tasks during college. I’m confident I’ll install Mint OS on it, and I’m wondering if it’s possible to run Linux on both devices. Would a dual-boot setup work? Are there any benefits to having two Linux systems at once?
Windows isn't always friendly. It ignores other operating systems already present. Linux will notice you have Windows installed, suggest installing Grub to handle switching between OSes, and might even adjust the Windows partition size to accommodate it. This isn't a big deal if you install on different disks and use the BIOS for switching.
For an AMD GPU instead of an NVIDIA one, Garuda Linux is a solid choice. It runs Arch Linux-based, offering many packages and a great theme with preinstalled gaming apps—especially useful if you're into pentesting. The main limitation is that some Windows-only anticheat tools won't work, such as Valorant or Call of Duty. If you prefer compatibility, consider using WSL alongside a GUI like RDP. AMD GPUs often handle older games better, and setting up an RDP from WSL makes it easy to access them.