Dual drives


Tasmania Green

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Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2
I’m thinking about installing Linux and I’d like to ask for some advice.

Is it better to partition my current drive and install Linux there or is it better to install a second drive and let Linux reside there?

I’ve never used Linux and so don’t know which variation to install. After doing some research, it seems like Mint is a good choice. Or would another one be better? Although I consider myself a neophyte when it comes to computers, I’m comfortable using Terminal.

I’m sure there are other questions I should be asking.



Cheers,
Mike
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPUSilicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL3...MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Gr...
OS
Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPU
Motherboard
2024 MSI MAG B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory
Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL30,1.35V UDIMM 6000MHz DDR5 RAM
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Graphics Card
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus ROG Strix XG32WCS - 32in HDR VA 180Hz USB Type-C FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
1) Silicon Power 1TB P34A60 Gen3x4 TLC R/W up to 2,200/1,600 MB/s PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD

2) Crucial 1TB E100 CT1000E100SSD8 Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
PSU
MSI 750W MAG A750GL 80+ Gold PCIe 5 ATX 3.0 Modular Power Supply
Case
SilverStone Fara R1 Pro V2 Tempered Glass ATX Case - Black
Cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Dual Loop CPU Cooler, 120mm Fan
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender
I’ve never used Linux and so don’t know which variation to install.
If that’s the case, I would start by flashing, let’s say, Linux Mint to a USB drive and booting from that. You can run Linux in a “live mode” like this without installing it. You can similarly try other distros before settling on installing one.
 

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Windows 11 Pro 25H212th Gen Core i7-1260P64 GB Micron PC4-25600Intel Iris Xe Graphics
OS
Windows 11 Pro 25H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Intel NUC12WSHi7
CPU
12th Gen Core i7-1260P
Motherboard
NUC12WSBi7
Memory
64 GB Micron PC4-25600
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Intel Iris Xe Graphics
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on-board Realtek HD Audio
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Dell U3219Q
Screen Resolution
3840 x 2160
Hard Drives
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB
Crucial MX500 2 TB
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender
I’m thinking about installing Linux and I’d like to ask for some advice.

you can also have a look at Zorin OS based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian Linux
Zorin OS also runs live from a bootable USB so you can try it out without it installing or changing anything on the system.

Zorin Core is the free version.
best of luck Steve ..
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 HomeRyzen 7 5825u64GB DDR4 3200Ryzen 7 5825u
    OS
    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 24" AiO
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Sound Card
    RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HP AiO
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB WD Blue SN580 M2 SSD Partitioned.
    2x 1TB USB HDD External Backup/Storage.
    PSU
    90W external power brick
    Case
    24" All in One
    Cooling
    Default Air Cooling
    Keyboard
    HP WiFi UK extended
    Mouse
    HP WiFi 3 Button
    Internet Speed
    1GB full fibre
    Browser
    Edge & Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security/Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
  • At a glance

    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTSi5 7200u16GB DDR4Intel
    Operating System
    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 13" Latitude 2017
    CPU
    i5 7200u
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel
    Sound Card
    Intel
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13" Dell Laptop
    Hard Drives
    250GB Crucial 2.5" SSD
    Mouse
    Generic WiFi 3 button
    Internet Speed
    WiFi only
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    ClamAV TK
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPUSilicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL3...MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Gr...
OS
Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPU
Motherboard
2024 MSI MAG B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory
Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL30,1.35V UDIMM 6000MHz DDR5 RAM
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Graphics Card
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus ROG Strix XG32WCS - 32in HDR VA 180Hz USB Type-C FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
1) Silicon Power 1TB P34A60 Gen3x4 TLC R/W up to 2,200/1,600 MB/s PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD

2) Crucial 1TB E100 CT1000E100SSD8 Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
PSU
MSI 750W MAG A750GL 80+ Gold PCIe 5 ATX 3.0 Modular Power Supply
Case
SilverStone Fara R1 Pro V2 Tempered Glass ATX Case - Black
Cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Dual Loop CPU Cooler, 120mm Fan
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender
Is it better to install Linux on the same drive as Windows or on a separate drive?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPUSilicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL3...MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Gr...
OS
Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPU
Motherboard
2024 MSI MAG B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory
Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL30,1.35V UDIMM 6000MHz DDR5 RAM
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Graphics Card
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus ROG Strix XG32WCS - 32in HDR VA 180Hz USB Type-C FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
1) Silicon Power 1TB P34A60 Gen3x4 TLC R/W up to 2,200/1,600 MB/s PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD

2) Crucial 1TB E100 CT1000E100SSD8 Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
PSU
MSI 750W MAG A750GL 80+ Gold PCIe 5 ATX 3.0 Modular Power Supply
Case
SilverStone Fara R1 Pro V2 Tempered Glass ATX Case - Black
Cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Dual Loop CPU Cooler, 120mm Fan
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender
Ubuntu will set up with dual boot for you.

  • Existing Windows Installation: The installer will only offer the dual-boot option if it detects a valid Windows installation.
  • UEFI vs Legacy BIOS: Modern systems usually run Windows in UEFI mode. Ubuntu must be installed in the same mode for dual boot to work. Mixing UEFI and Legacy can cause boot problems.
  • Disk Space: You need free space on your hard drive or SSD. The installer can shrink the Windows partition to make room for Ubuntu.
  • Bootloader: Ubuntu will install GRUB, which becomes the primary bootloader. At startup, you’ll get a menu to choose Windows or Ubuntu.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Defender/Windows Security
    Other Info
    System 3

    Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8655
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
Is it better to install Linux on the same drive as Windows or on a separate drive?
If you install on Windows drive, it will make a big mess on it.
If you install on a separate drive, you will have completely independent installations. Don't forget to detach (SATA or power cable) from all other drives or you will end with the OS in one drive and the Boot manager on another.
Select the primary OS on BIOS and use the boot menu (F12?) to choose the other.
I have Lubuntu (a light Ubuntu) on a separate drive, but Mint is one of the best option.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
If you install on Windows drive, it will make a big mess on it.
I have done this more than once with no problems. The Ubuntu installer will not install into the Windows partitions.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Defender/Windows Security
    Other Info
    System 3

    Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8655
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
I have done this more than once with no problems. The Ubuntu installer will not install into the Windows partitions.
To install Linux you must make some unallocated space to install it on. The normal way is to shrink the C: partition. Then you will have a ext4 and Linux swap partitions between C: and Recovery partitions.
Also it will install Grub (Linux boot manager) along with Windows boot manager on the EFI Fat32 partition.

I call this a big mess
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
Is it better to install Linux on the same drive as Windows or on a separate drive?
if you have a spare drive then it would be best to Install Linux on that spare drive
as already stated Linux will handle the boot manager for Windows and Linux
you will get the Linux boot manager at boot to choose which operating system you want to boot into.

if at any time you disconnect the spare drive just enter the BIOS
and place the Windows boot manager first in the system boot order
save the settings and re-boot into Windows.

best of luck Steve ..
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 HomeRyzen 7 5825u64GB DDR4 3200Ryzen 7 5825u
    OS
    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 24" AiO
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Sound Card
    RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HP AiO
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB WD Blue SN580 M2 SSD Partitioned.
    2x 1TB USB HDD External Backup/Storage.
    PSU
    90W external power brick
    Case
    24" All in One
    Cooling
    Default Air Cooling
    Keyboard
    HP WiFi UK extended
    Mouse
    HP WiFi 3 Button
    Internet Speed
    1GB full fibre
    Browser
    Edge & Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security/Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
  • At a glance

    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTSi5 7200u16GB DDR4Intel
    Operating System
    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 13" Latitude 2017
    CPU
    i5 7200u
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel
    Sound Card
    Intel
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13" Dell Laptop
    Hard Drives
    250GB Crucial 2.5" SSD
    Mouse
    Generic WiFi 3 button
    Internet Speed
    WiFi only
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    ClamAV TK
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
To install Linux you must make some unallocated space to install it on. The normal way is to shrink the C: partition. Then you will have a ext4 and Linux swap partitions between C: and Recovery partitions.
Also it will install Grub (Linux boot manager) along with Windows boot manager on the EFI Fat32 partition.

I call this a big mess
As I said, the Ubuntu installer will do this for you!!! If you do an image backup first, you have nothing to lose. Let's encourage OP to try it.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics16GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acemagic LX15PRO
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5825U with Radeon Graphics
    Motherboard
    BIOS CT_BI_AMI_LX15PRO_AB8139_A-004
    Memory
    16GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD 2TB
    Internet Speed
    30 Mbps
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Defender/Windows Security
    Other Info
    System 3

    Acer Swift SF114-34 laptop
    OS Windows 11 Pro 26200.8655
    CPU Pentium Silver N6000
    RAM 4GB
    BIOS v1.17
    SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB (an upgrade)
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506Atom N450 1.66GHz2GB
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Webroot
As I said, the Ubuntu installer will do this for you!!! If you do an image backup first, you have nothing to lose. Let's encourage OP to try it.
I think we all gave the OP different and good opinions so Tasmania Green can choose what to do
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
you can also have a look at Zorin OS based on Ubuntu which is based on Debian Linux
Zorin OS also runs live from a bootable USB so you can try it out without it installing or changing anything on the system.

Zorin Core is the free version.
best of luck Steve ..

What distro of Linux do you use?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPUSilicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL3...MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Gr...
OS
Windows 11 Pro - version 24H2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6 Core AM5 5.3GHz CPU
Motherboard
2024 MSI MAG B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory
Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith 32GB (16GBx2) CL30,1.35V UDIMM 6000MHz DDR5 RAM
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ventus 2X Black 8G OC Graphics Card
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus ROG Strix XG32WCS - 32in HDR VA 180Hz USB Type-C FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor
Screen Resolution
2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
1) Silicon Power 1TB P34A60 Gen3x4 TLC R/W up to 2,200/1,600 MB/s PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD

2) Crucial 1TB E100 CT1000E100SSD8 Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
PSU
MSI 750W MAG A750GL 80+ Gold PCIe 5 ATX 3.0 Modular Power Supply
Case
SilverStone Fara R1 Pro V2 Tempered Glass ATX Case - Black
Cooling
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Dual Loop CPU Cooler, 120mm Fan
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender
i used Ubuntu for 20 years before moving back to Windows
but the one i have in Virtual Box that i have been playing with is
Zorin OS which is based upon Ubuntu but without the snap packages.

best of luck Steve ..
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 HomeRyzen 7 5825u64GB DDR4 3200Ryzen 7 5825u
    OS
    Debian 13 KDE .. Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP 24" AiO
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    64GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Ryzen 7 5825u
    Sound Card
    RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" HP AiO
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB WD Blue SN580 M2 SSD Partitioned.
    2x 1TB USB HDD External Backup/Storage.
    PSU
    90W external power brick
    Case
    24" All in One
    Cooling
    Default Air Cooling
    Keyboard
    HP WiFi UK extended
    Mouse
    HP WiFi 3 Button
    Internet Speed
    1GB full fibre
    Browser
    Edge & Firefox
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security/Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
  • At a glance

    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTSi5 7200u16GB DDR4Intel
    Operating System
    Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 13" Latitude 2017
    CPU
    i5 7200u
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel
    Sound Card
    Intel
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13" Dell Laptop
    Hard Drives
    250GB Crucial 2.5" SSD
    Mouse
    Generic WiFi 3 button
    Internet Speed
    WiFi only
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    ClamAV TK
    Other Info
    Mainly Open Source Software
I run Linux Mint 23.3 and dual boot it with Windows. I've allocated about 50/50 for each OS on same drive. Everything works great.

A good option is to have a second drive for your home folder (all the user data), this way you always have your data and settings available even if something goes wrong with the OS itself.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8457 / Linux Mint 22.3Ryzen 7 2700U Pro32GBiGPU Vega 10
    OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8457 / Linux Mint 22.3
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo A485
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 2700U Pro
    Motherboard
    Lenovo (WiFi/BT module upgraded to Intel Wireless-AC-9260)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    iGPU Vega 10
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" FHD (built-in) + 14" Lenovo Thinkvision M14t (touch+pen) + 32" Asus PB328
    Screen Resolution
    FHD + FHD + 1440p
    Hard Drives
    Intel 660p m.2 nVME PCIe3.0 x2 512GB
    PSU
    125W(Dock)/65W(Travel Adapter)
    Keyboard
    Thinkpad / Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    1/1Gbit
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    SecureBoot: Enabled
    TPM2.0: Enabled
    AMD-V: Enabled
  • At a glance

    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8521(RP)i7-7700k @4.8GHz32GB 2x16GB 2133MHz CL15EVGA GTX1080Ti FTW 11GB
    Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8521(RP)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    i7-7700k @4.8GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME Z270-A
    Memory
    32GB 2x16GB 2133MHz CL15
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GTX1080Ti FTW 11GB
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" 10-bit Asus PB328Q
    Screen Resolution
    WQHD 2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB ADATA SX8000NP NVMe PCIe Gen 3 x4
    PSU
    850W
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black
    Keyboard
    Logitech MX Keys
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    1/1Gbit
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    AC WiFi Card
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