Why use Windows and Linux on the same computer.

There is a stereotype that Linux is needed only for advanced users who want to "squeeze" the maximum out of the computer and load the brain with new tasks: first, figure out how to install a new OS, and then - how to work with it. In fact, Linux will be useful even on a regular home computer. And in order not to doubt your choice, start simple - try using both OSes at the same time on the same machine.

Why do some people love Linux so much? Its main advantage is free distribution. If you have to pay several thousand rubles for a licensed distribution of Windows 10, depending on the version, then Linux can be downloaded for free without violating the copyright of the developers. And this is only the operating system itself, and you will need at least an office editor, a multimedia player, a graphic file viewer and other programs for work and entertainment.

Good complete set of programs . The Linux distribution includes other programs that the user may need. They can be installed automatically at the same time as the operating system.

Speed ​​and performance . The speed of Linux is a cut above Windows, since it is less demanding on hardware and uses computing resources more efficiently.

Stable work . You install the OS once and work on it for years without reinstalling. There are rarely situations when the system freezes or behaves unpredictably. If any application is not responding, just close it and continue working without rebooting.

Low probability of virus infection . At first glance, this seems strange, because it is Linux that is often installed on servers that are forced to repel numerous attacks by hackers. However, the architecture of Unix systems ties the hands of cybercriminals and prevents threats from being implemented on the same scale as in the case of Windows.

The ability to change according to user requests . This is also called customization. In Linux, you can reconfigure anything you want, from the interface to commands that invoke the keyboard shortcuts you want.

There is a principle in psychology called duckling syndrome. It means that a person is strongly attached to some object or area, and the stronger their connection, the more he is confident in their ideality and correctness. This is how you can characterize the love of many users for Windows. For most, it was the first operating system they encountered and which they had already learned well. This means that they consider it the standard and therefore do not want to consider alternatives.

Why duckling syndrome? Little ducklings that have just hatched from an egg will consider what they saw first as their mother - even a cat passing by, or a rubber ball.

When to use Windows and Linux in parallel

We will not convince you to completely switch from Windows to Linux, but consider situations when the operation of two operating systems on one computer is justified.

Make sure the choice is correct

If you doubt Linux will cover your needs, install a second one and test it for a couple of months. During this time, you will be able to install application software, instant messengers for it, try out the work in browsers, just learn to use the available tools for your tasks.

Solve specific tasks

Let's say you don't plan to ditch Windows entirely in the near term. But periodically you need to run programs that work better and more efficiently in the Linux environment. For example, mobile app developers who use the Android Studio IDE and the Android simulator are often more comfortable with Linux.

Don't give up expensive licensed software

There are other situations: you have specialized software for professional activities - for example, Microsoft Visual Studio Professional or Autodesk Autocad. The licenses have been bought, the money cannot be returned, plus you are used to working with these tools and do not want to switch to open source and, obviously, not so functional software. However, your other needs are covered by the programs that come with the Linux distribution. In this case, it also makes sense to use both systems at the same time.

Work in a secure environment

There are no viruses under Linux, which means that you will be protected from cyberattacks, Trojan infections, and you can safely use any flash drives. Although the likelihood of infection still exists, it is very, very low, if you use the recommendations of the developers: install software from official sources and do it only through the system's package manager, and also regularly update the software to the latest versions.

Another Linux trick is its security when it comes to personal data. If Windows 10 regularly collects information about users and sends it to Microsoft (and you can hardly resist this), then Linux does not. You install any popular distribution kit and forget that someone can "spy on" you.

For those who are looking for reliable protection for a Windows computer, we offer Kaspersky and ESET NOD 32 antiviruses on an annual or monthly subscription basis. Choose the number of devices, the functionality of the solution, special conditions (for example, activation of "Parental Control") and start testing the service for free for a 30-day period.

Organize a transition process in educational institutions

Microsoft Windows is gradually leaving Russian schools - it is being replaced by Linux. In the educational environment, it is important that the distributions of the latter are distributed free of charge, because this allows you to save budgetary funds of educational institutions. Since teachers and students are accustomed to working with programs of the Windows family, a transition period is needed when both systems will be available in parallel. This is especially true of teachers' computers - office equipment that runs only under Windows is often connected to these machines, antiviruses and highly specialized applications are installed that are not adapted for open source OS.

What you need to know about the differences between Windows and Linux

To use both systems at the same time, you need to be aware of their differences, which you will encounter first.

• Linux does not use letters to denote logical volumes, and the file path begins with a backslash (\).
• Linux system files are located in the root directory and are grouped by type and purpose.
• In Linux, file extensions are not important. Executables without extensions are normal.
• In Linux, you can guess that there is a hidden file in front of you by the dot at the beginning of its name.
• User-installed applications on Linux save their settings and data in the home folder of the user on whose behalf they are launched.
• Linux applications only need to be installed through the package manager.
• Linux will never ask "Are you sure you want to do this and that?" The system will simply execute the command, even if you typed it by mistake.

A graphical environment in Linux can be assembled piece by piece from different parts. Each element is a separate application and does not depend on the rest of the software.

How to use Windows and Linux at the same time on the same machine

Dual loading . Let's say you already have Windows installed. Then you install Linux on the second OS, and then each time you select the required OS when the system boots. This is not the easiest, but the best way to try both operating systems on the same machine.

Running Linux from under Windows . A slightly more complex and resource-intensive option that advanced users can implement. Here Linux works just like any other application on Windows, but through a virtualization program.

Launch Linux Live USB . And this method, on the contrary, is the simplest. Here Linux is pre-recorded on a USB-stick or DVD-disk and started from them. But keep in mind that any settings and data in this case are stored only until the end of the session. As soon as you remove the USB stick or disk, they disappear forever.