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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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New to linux, would like some help setting up dual boot. (slrpnk.net)

submitted 2 weeks ago by BlackRoseAmongThorns@slrpnk.net to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Got an old laptop from a friend I'd like to rejuvenate, the plan is to set up a light distro so it wouldn't be as slow as it is right now with windows 10.

Now, I'm aware windows updates can fuck up a dual boot system, so i have a few questions about how to minimize the threat of that happening.

What i think of doing is running a few scans to check the disk, then setting up Linux Mint, because it is beginner friendly, and (relatively) light weight.

What I'd need help with is trusted guides and also tips for setting up dual booting, I'm sure I'll need to do disk partitioning and I've done that before but I'd still want to make sure I'm doing it correctly.

Any help would be welcome.

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[–] wuphysics87@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

If it isn't for professional reasons you absolutely can't avoid, I would switch wholesale. As a once famous song said "Freedom isn't free. It costs folks like you and me. Andif you don't put in your buck o five who will?"

[–] BlackRoseAmongThorns@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

It's not for professional reasons, it's all personal, plus studies, I'm not switching wholesale because i might need to access the old files (extremely unlikely, but I don't want to make decisions based on that), and the laptop has enough stirage for me to be happy with the partition i made, which is ~200GB

[–] wuphysics87@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I can appreciate that. Especially if the files in question are of sentimental value.

I would suggest transferring your files to a new drive anyway because of bit rot.

Being the typical helpful (pushy and self-important) Linux user, I might add there is no reason you can´t transfer them to Linux 😜

[–] Teppichbrand@feddit.org 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I dual boot for two years, because I need a special software for work every couple of months. I mounted my old windows drive in Linux and soft linked it from my Linux home directory. So if I go to home > documents I see my new documents, plus there is a "documents archive" folder, that takes me to my windows drive with it's older documents. I added these soft links to my music, pictures as well. This works great.
I never experienced any problems with windows destroying my boot options. I'm not an expert, but managed to setup GRUP to instantly boot Linux (Mint). If I want windows, I need to push the boot menu key (F11) and actively select it. Otherwise I don't even notice it's even there.