Ever needed the flexibility of Linux but the multimedia features of Windows? It’s quite a decision when it comes to deciding between operating systems.
Those who can afford to fit a virtual machine in their workflows often get away with this problem. However, if you’re going to bury yourself in a three-hour-long coding session in Linux after you’ve just spent the previous three hours in CSGO, you might as well dual boot your system
Thinking of running a dual boot system? In this article we’ll go through some everyday issues I run into while juggling between my operating systems and how you can resolve them, should you run into them too.
Also read: Dual boot vs Virtual Machine
Hassles of running a dual boot system
So here’s the deal, if you’re a developer of any sorts, Linux is the OS to be on (in my humble opinion at least). Sure you can code on Windows as well, and it might even be easier for beginners to pick up the ropes there, but eventually, Linux is the way to go.
The problem is, often you’d run into some sort of hiccup which can be easily resolved on Windows.
For instance, every time I’m working on a website, I often need to work with graphics. Linux, as you must know, doesn’t run Photoshop, Illustrator and other similar software, and frankly speaking, I can’t use GIMP. It’s just horrible.
The problem here is that I have to juggle between operating systems depending upon what I’m trying to do and sometimes, it can be quite annoying. Especially if you’re running an older HDD instead of an SSD.
This is by far the most inconvenient thing anyone would need to face in a dual boot machine. OS-specific software can really make the whole process quite cumbersome. The booting time Windows makes me want to just get a separate machine for Windows altogether. However, since that’s well out of the question here, I gotta make do with what I have.
The fact that now the hibernation option is gone from Windows makes the situation even worse. Earlier I used to hibernate my Windows if I needed to jump into Linux without having to access my main drive (you have to shut down your PC for that). But now, even that option is gone.
Also, frequent operating system switches also pose a risk to your data storage. With Windows getting gimmicks like the fast startup option, one wrong move inside Linux and you might lose your Windows installation as well.
Since Windows and Linux use fundamentally different drive partition types to store OS data, this also increases the burden on your HDD which can lead to bad sectors or even HDD failure.
Also read: Master Boot Record (MBR) vs GUID Partition Table (GPT)
How to resolve these issues?
These problems, however, can be fixed rather easily.
The first thing you can do is to upgrade to an SSD. This will significantly reduce not only your boot-up times but general machine performance as well. Note that there have been several myths about running dual boot systems off of SSDs but rest assured, it’s quite alright if you do.
Switching to an SSD will also eliminate the possibilities of any bad sector or memory failure type of issues.
You can also add dual-channel memory to your system. If you’re on a Ryzen processor this is going to be extremely helpful. While chugging more RAM into your PC might not help with boot-up times but it’ll definitely make the overall process snappier.
Basically, upgrading to faster memory components is going to make your life easier should you decide to run a dual boot system. There are still compromises you’re going to have to make, but it’s better to make a lesser compromise than to just give up something entirely.
