[Discuss] Experiences virtualizing: Linux hosted in Windows vs Windows hosted in Linux

[John Abreau]

Personally, I run Linux almost exclusively; I typically only need to boot
Windows a few times a year, so running Linux in a VM on a Windows host
makes no sense for my usage patterns.

When I do need to run Windows, its performance in a VM is abysmal, so I
stick with dual-booting for performance reasons.



On Fri, Nov 13, 2015 at 6:36 PM, John Hall <johnhall2.0 at gmail.com> wrote:

> What is your experience virtualing Linux on Windows, or Windows on Linux?
> I want access to both systems so I tend to do one or the other. I do not
> consider "dual booting" a solution since I want to run both systems not
> either system.
>
>
> Since most laptops come with windows it's less of a hassle and less risky
> to just leave it be, and virtualize linux. I currently boot Windows and
> virtualize Linux using VMWare Workstation.
>
> ​I'd been doing the reverse for years and while I would prefer running
> linux native, it was more sensible on a desktop where I could hand-pick the
> components. It was also a time when boots were over ten times longer,
> windows was much less stable, and required reboot more often.
>
> I know I've been manipulated by the Microsoft UEFI/secure boot conspiracy
> and licensing. Not sure it's legal for my windows license to reverse
> virtualization. I have an ultimate license for windows 7 for the old
> desktop that specifically allows virtualization. I am not sure windows 10
> upgraded from windows 8 would "like" running in a virtual machine. They
> have made it more convenient for me to just virtualize linux.
>
> ​For now I plan to leave things as they are but I am researching UEFI and
> how to disable it to at least know how I'd boot to a USB key as the
> no-opt-out automated Windows 10 updates could break something. I have a
> Lenovo laptop. Y50-70. To deal with firmware settings I have to go through
> several menus in Windows control panels to trigger it to enter a settings
> mode that is bios-like. A few people have said Lenovo is good for Linux.
> Does that apply to my model?
> ​
> *Advantages of Linux on windows*
> Hardware works without fiddling more often.
> Less work, so more time to do other things. I have no specific problem with
> doing anything I could do running Linux natively. Since it's not broken, I
> do not see a reason to fix it.
> New hardware was a generation newer and an upgrade to using ssd instead of
> HD so I do not notice a performance costs.
>
> *Disadvantages  of Linux on Windows​ / Reasons to **switch*
> It is a bit more productive for me using Linux as my primary OS.
> It does not "feel" as secure. It was nice to know I had virtual disk save
> points to revert windows if i got a virus on my system.
> Not as "cool" or "hip" as Linux native.
> System could be more easily possessed by some Cabal.
> Performance costs for Linux applications
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>



-- 
John Abreau / Executive Director, Boston Linux & Unix
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