Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Should I install windows in a virtual box on my computer or do a windows shared installation. Which is safer and easier?

Asked by Joel Stein

Iam buying a new computer and want to use Ubuntu as my main OS. I would also like windows because somethings can only be done with windows (easily). I'm wondering which would be safer and easier. Should I use windows in a virtual box or just install it alongside the Ubuntu. Any advice would be welcome.

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Solved
For:
Ubuntu ubiquity Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Solved by:
marcobra (Marco Braida)
Solved:
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Adam Cajander (cajander1111) said : 		#1

I'm fairly new to Ubuntu but I had Windows and Ubuntu installed on separate partitions and it gave me nothing but trouble. In no time at all my Ubuntu install started hanging on the boot screen so I had nothing left but Windows. Then not to long ago I was fed up with Windows so I just did a fresh install of Ubuntu, wiping out my old broken Ubuntu install and Windows, and I haven't looked back since. Have you heard of Wine? It's a way of running Windows programs in Ubuntu. I think that you should totally ditch Windows and just use Ubuntu and Wine, or a virtual machine. What did you need t o use Windows for that Ubuntu can't do anyways? I just think it would be a lot less complicated and safer to use Windows on a VM, if you want Ubuntu to be your main O/S. You'll probably stop using Windows altogether after a while anyways.

Revision history for this message
Best marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#2

I strongly suggest to install Ubuntu then install Windows in a Virtualbox virtual machine... you will have:

1) Ubuntuis a solid platform without any viruses issue... a good base to your virtual pc
2) Install Virtualbox and on a virtual pc you can install and run Windows (still you need it ?)
3) Then still in Virtualbox you can easily save a copy (Virtualbox menu: File → Export appliance) of entire Windows virtual pc as a file... to easily backup in the same pc or on a external usb media and then to restore if you need

Revision history for this message
marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#3

i forgot ...
4) you will be able to run ubuntu and windows at the same time and you will be able to share data from them... using shared
directory...

Revision history for this message
Joel Stein (ticktockman) said : 		#4

Thanks Marco. I actually was leaning that way myself. I've already downloaded virtualbox and am ready to go. I'm a little leary as I've never used virtualbox before and don't know how to run the download but hopefully it won't be too complicated.

Thanks a bunch.

Revision history for this message
Joel Stein (ticktockman) said : 		#5

Thanks marcobra (Marco Braida), that solved my question.