Consider your needs before installing Linux next to Windows.
Consider your needs before installing Linux next to Windows.
Hey there! I bought a new laptop with these specs: AMD 4600H CPU, GTX 1650 GPU, 8 GB RAM, and mobile RAM. I’m considering running Linux alongside Windows because many of my apps are open source or available on Linux, and I enjoy gaming titles like Rocket League and Control. While Linux gaming support is improving, Windows still offers better performance for most tasks. I’m wondering if it’s worth installing Linux in a virtual machine rather than alongside Windows, especially for boosting productivity.
Avoid running Windows 10 alongside a Windows 10 installation on the same disk. Updates often reset GRUB settings regularly.
It varies. If the IDE and extra tools are available on Linux, it might be simpler than Windows for your needs. I prefer Linux over Windows since everything is accessible via the package manager. Of course, we use Java, so our applications work across platforms from the start. If you're building Windows-only software and rely on Visual Studio, sticking with its native environment would be more efficient. In that scenario, Linux wouldn't offer any advantages and could even complicate things.
I focus mainly on Unity, Godot (occasionally), VS Code, and Resolve 17. Web browser support is decent, though gaming features like Epic Games are limited at best.
Have you tried Linux before? I haven't worked with a desktop version for years, but I really dislike using it on my router and Raspberry Pi. If you decide to give it a try, just know it might not be the best fit. Setting up my Raspberry Pi was quite frustrating—it turned out to be mostly pointless because I only realized the USB issues after the setup. It functions, but it feels like dial-up when trying to send files over the network. Most of the problem comes from the hardware side. Getting the software installed and configuring it can be annoying, which points to Linux or possibly the app developers.
I've worked with Linux before, but back then I had outdated gear from 2010, making the process really tough. Now that I have newer hardware, I'm considering going back to Linux again.
For web or Android developers the Linux advantage is clear—you get the same operating system as your server, which simplifies debugging and coding. You also gain strong automation features such as cron, native container support with Docker or LXD, and powerful text editors like Vim and Emacs. If these benefits don’t appeal to you, the boost in productivity will likely be limited.