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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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Can I setup Linux on a VM and then swap to that setup permanently if it works well for me? (lemm.ee)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Not really sure how dualbooting or vms work at their core. I'm kind of over windows and want to swap, always liked the customizability aspect and have been using Linux more and more for self hosting purposes. Was wondering if I setup linux on my external ssd using a vm if I could change it from vm to a dualboot drive after I'm done setting it up. That way I could setitup and swap to it while keepign my original ssd with my windows install,. and not have to deal with dualbooting and going back and forth while setting up?

Can I make a vm of my current windows machine backup and run that in a linux setup?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Great explanation, is using an external ssd instead of a partition still considered dualbooting?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Yes, but the bios will still need to go to the device with the bootloader on it for you to make the choice.

In the case that the external is unplugged or had a damaged wire or something, it won’t work.

Depending on your circumstances you may be better served by just installing Linux on the external device, not writing grub (the bootloader that lets you choose) to your internal drive and instead just booting from it like a usb.

I don’t generally recommend that to people, but if you absolutely will not use partitions no matter what then it’s a less complex way of accomplishing some tasks.

E: I want to be clear that you are setting yourself up for failure and unhappiness if you try to use a usb device chain booted off grub. You will make your life incredibly complex and make it hard to get help if you try to migrate that setup to your boot device.

It is infinitely easier to move your files to the external and dual boot from partitions on one device like a normal person.

Why do you want to use a vm or boot from your usb drive in the first place?