Windows and Linux compatible with SSDs and traditional hard drives.
Windows and Linux compatible with SSDs and traditional hard drives.
Windows struggles with file system features. I faced no issues with FAT or NTFS. NTFS only causes trouble when Windows doesn't unmount correctly, though it still warns you can overwrite files on Linux.
Microsoft seems to be doing mixed things at times. They push updates and track users, which is a topic of discussion. What really pushed me to switch to Linux fully was the silent installation of apps without asking for permission. On the other hand, backing Linux aligns with open source trends. Right now, I’m using Windows in a virtual machine while running everything else on Linux. I only play PC games that support Linux, such as Euro Truck and Dungeon Defenders.
The biggest reason I decided to finally assemble a new computer was stumbling upon the upcoming Star Citizen, which hasn’t been released yet but looks promising. I believe it’s not tied to Steam and is likely available only on Windows now, though Linux might become an option once it’s officially launched. (?) My setup isn’t just for gaming—it will also serve as a lightweight non-dedicated server running Linux when idle. Regarding games, I’m honestly unsure which titles are worth trying right now; I’ve searched online but don’t have a clear direction between Windows and Linux options. Initially, the machine will be mostly unused until I start exploring more demanding titles. It offers solid gaming performance, so I want to choose games that push hardware limits without sacrificing quality. I also appreciate simple, straightforward games. The server functionality will run automatically when I’m not using it for play, though this depends on how I allocate resources. Alternatively, if Linux support expands, I might shift the focus there as well. For storage, I expect HDDs to be the primary choice for both gaming and light server tasks (though backup planning is still pending).
That’s not exactly a set of tools you’re looking at. You might consider allocating a separate drive or leaving unused space on existing partitions to expand as needed.
I believed I was using XFS on the previous RAID configuration on the old computer and supported both read/write operations with Windows and Linux. However, a quick search reveals that Windows doesn't read XFS. It might be another file system type I used. Perhaps NTFS is the correct choice. I should consider partitioning the HDDs (assuming it's acceptable for RAID0) and applying some data to NTFS for both systems, while keeping other parts in LVM or similar for Linux. Yes, I remember now there have been reports about privacy and monitoring concerns with Windows 10. I think I'll switch to something like Kali for that, though I haven't decided yet on the specific Linux distribution to use as the main system next to Windows. I plan to run virtual machines on the Linux side—many of them, all running Linux—but only for Linux applications. The sole reason I'm seeing Windows is for games that are exclusive to Windows.
I find the idea intriguing, beginning with empty space and growing from there. I usually set aside everything from the start. I don’t keep track of specific programs—just basic needs: Windows requires 10GB or 20GB for installation, mainly for running games. Linux needs 128GB or more, or at least 200GB if Steam is installed. Storage should hold game files, apps, and main content efficiently. If possible, I’d move less-used items to external drives. On Windows, I’ll install only games and essentials, focusing on gaming. On Linux, I might use virtualization for server content. It’s a challenging decision since I’m unsure what exactly will fit.
Games require 200GB of storage. Windows and Ubuntu typically use about 16GB. Virtual machines on Linux need less than 1GB when using XServer or applications. It’s simpler to add an extra SSD.
Considering a second SSD and pairing it with RAID? You're thinking about adding four HDDs for RAID10, but that might not fit your goal of saving money. ...actually, a second M.2 SSD probably won't work with this board.
Server-side operations should maintain complete authority over hardware. Yes, gaming on Windows is the focus, and I think Linux can handle that too (I wasn't aware it was a solid choice). I'm looking into simple games, but the main machine is meant for high-quality titles, which I believe perform better on Windows. I'm curious about available options for Linux as well. In short, each system will serve its intended role—Windows for gaming and Linux for server tasks, though both can also handle regular computing.