Seeking expert Linux guidance
Seeking expert Linux guidance
I recently got a new laptop and installed both operating systems, which are both performing well. I've been using them to set up my usual applications so I can switch between them easily. As with Linux, there are still some small but annoying issues that haven’t improved much. For instance: My BT headphones are connected, but I can’t choose them as the sound output anywhere Chrome doesn’t support two-finger gestures for forward-backward. The mouse gesture extension I use stops working and breaks right-click functionality in Chrome. Remember, having a duplicate BT icon in Cinnamon’s system tray is something I’ve experienced before. There might be fixes available, but it often means spending hours searching instead of getting things to work smoothly right away.
Promote running it beyond just using a VM initially; consider it your ultimate long-term plan. For this, choose a distribution that works well with virtual machines—Ubuntu, Xubuntu, and Kubuntu are top choices. Install VirtualBox, select one of these flavors, and allocate half your CPU cores and half your RAM for the VM. Mount your home directory under something like `~/winhome` inside the VM. This approach is superior to dual booting, especially with Windows 10 or 11, allowing you to run full-screen Linux on one desktop while seamlessly switching between systems. For future gaming, this setup gives you flexibility and performance. While Linux gaming has improved, it still lags behind when it was poor; using a VM lets you enjoy both OS strengths effortlessly. It also makes it simple to switch distributions without hassle.
The general opinion on CentOS leans toward it being a stable, long-term operating system. Given your setup—older hardware with limited resources—it’s likely seen as a reliable choice for maintaining the machine without heavy demands.
It varies based on your goals. CentOS is mainly designed for servers, so it might not suit a workstation well. However, if you're familiar with SELinux or prefer it in a professional setting, CentOS Stream with a graphical interface can be an excellent choice.
Using Linux virtualization is best for learning commands at first. The quickest and best method is a dual-boot setup.
I understand you're giving up some speed for a virtual machine setup. It's a balance. If top performance is essential for your Linux environment, going bare metal is ideal. However, if you prefer a privacy-focused OS for everyday tasks and only need Windows for certain apps or games, the VM approach works well.
I’m unfamiliar with Linux and don’t understand SELinux or its purpose. What changed my perspective was a problem that was already solved, though I might think about Linux again for future projects.
SELinux stands for "Security Enhanced Linux." It's an updated version of the usual Unix permission system that adds extra protection. If you're familiar with CentOS, it's there, but if you're unsure what it does, don't worry. It doesn’t complicate Linux more than it needs to. Moving from Windows to Linux is a bit steeper, but still manageable. You can quickly set up a virtual machine and explore it—feel free to remove it later if it isn’t right for you.