+ 9

Operating System

So quick question. I currently am running a Windows 10 OS (very slow) and I don’t use any of the Microsoft Office features. I am working towards a PCEP certification and Java certification as well as learning about structure of internet, memory, etc. Can I do all of this on W10 or should I get a Linux based OS like Ubuntu? I used Linux for my Java class in college. TL;DR: I want to start coding and doing computers more seriously, and am wondering whether Linux is worth getting rid of W10 for.

26th Apr 2019, 6:42 PM
Dan Buchanan
Dan Buchanan - avatar
12 Answers
+ 11
Java should work on both OS, but Linux is definitely great for programmers and productive work in general. If you're not sure you can first install a Linux distribution next to Windows as a dual boot. Btw. I'd recommend you Linux Mint over Ubuntu in case you're used to the Windows workflow.
26th Apr 2019, 7:46 PM
Aaron Eberhardt
Aaron Eberhardt - avatar
+ 9
I suggest Arch Linux
28th Apr 2019, 1:15 PM
Salif Mehmed đŸ‡čđŸ‡·đŸ‡§đŸ‡Ź
Salif Mehmed  đŸ‡čđŸ‡·đŸ‡§đŸ‡Ź - avatar
+ 6
Try it out, it's a fun experience if nothing else. I've always ended up switching back to windows, but working with different linuxes on my main computer has proven valuable because you do end up using linux a lot on the server side.
26th Apr 2019, 9:00 PM
Schindlabua
Schindlabua - avatar
+ 6
You should be able to do it all on Windows 10.
27th Apr 2019, 7:58 AM
Sonic
Sonic - avatar
+ 6
+1 for dual boot I am running Ubuntu/W10. Installing Ubuntu next to WIndows is usually a piece of cake (if you install windows first).. Ubuntu is my main os but there are times when you just need Windows to be around. In a lot of situations on Ubuntu I still don't have a clue how to solve them but the community is really great and you get a lot of support.
27th Apr 2019, 8:16 PM
Thoq!
Thoq! - avatar
+ 5
You should be able to do this with either OS. My experience has been that Linux is faster than Windows, and brakes less. I might be a little biased as its my preference. Linux may need more tweaking to set up 'right', depends on distribution. If your not going to duel boot like Aaron Eberhardt said, then I would recommend testing with a live version for hardware compatibility.
26th Apr 2019, 8:08 PM
Jared Bird
Jared Bird - avatar
+ 5
@Jessica Wilson Good idea! For Ubuntu you don't need to put it in a virtual machine. You can directly test if Ubuntu runs on your machine with a bootable stick.
29th Apr 2019, 10:31 AM
Thoq!
Thoq! - avatar
+ 3
On Linux systems everything is possible and working, but you need a lot of knowledge and often you have to do it by yourself (not alone). To gather knowledge it's a great start. Windows is a closed system, so you have to accept things or leave it.
27th Apr 2019, 5:44 PM
Daniel Adam
Daniel Adam - avatar
+ 2
Be careful to back up your files in case you overwrite your windows with linux. It happens quite a lot
28th Apr 2019, 10:29 AM
Logomonic Learning
Logomonic Learning - avatar
+ 2
If you want to try a Linux OS before making the switch (or dual booting) I would recommend trying it in a virtual machine first!
28th Apr 2019, 11:53 AM
Jessica Wilson
Jessica Wilson - avatar
+ 2
Salif Mehmed I wouldn't suggest Arch for a beginner.
29th Apr 2019, 9:24 AM
Jared Bird
Jared Bird - avatar