Dual boot, or virtual machine? Which one is right for you?

 If you want to use multiple operating systems on a computer or use different versions of the same operating system, there are two methods open to you. The first is to use a dual boot system; And the second is to use virtual machines. Both methods are quite suitable for this job but there are many differences between them. Can't decide which of the two methods is right for you? Then today's post is for you.

In today's post I will put some questions for you and if you can answer this question correctly then you can decide for yourself which method is suitable for you. Note that today's post will not discuss what dual boots and virtual machines are or who they are; Today I will try to say in simple language which of these two methods is suitable for your own use. So let's face the question.

Have an advanced idea about PC?

If you are an advanced user of PC then you can use dual boot setup. This is because it requires a lot of advanced skills to set up dual boot and delete extra OS properly if needed. On the other hand, no special skills are required to operate a virtual machine. Anyone with a basic knowledge of computers can operate a virtual machine. Virtual machines do not have technical problems like Dix partition, boot loader mode etc.

Use multiple OS at the same time?

Virtual machines are the best for multitasking. Because just by pressing the Alt + Tab buttons here you can switch the instant from the virtual machine to your operating system. However, if you work for hours on end in a virtual machine, then the dual boot setup may be best for you.

Suppose your main operating system is Windows 10; But you are a programmer and you prefer to code in Linux OS. And so do coding on Linux for 3 hours straight. In this case you can get full performance of your PC on Linux in dual boot setup rather than virtual machine.

Do you do heavy duty tasks?

Even on a powerful enough computer, you may encounter problems performing heavy duty tasks on a virtual machine. Heavy duty task means video gaming, working with 3D animation or video editing etc. This is because the virtual machine works a lot on an emulator or emulation system. And in an emulated operating system you can't work properly like a normal operating system. So if you want to have XTA operating system on the same PC for heavy duty task then using your dual boot setup would be perfect.

Does your computer have SSD?

In the current era, PCs are using HDD (Hard Disk) as well as SSD (Solid State Drive). And an SSD is quite fast and the PC can be shut down and restarted quite quickly on the SSD. It is quite useful for dual boot setup. You can use the dual boot system in the blink of an eye.

On the other hand, shutting down a PC on an HDD or hard disk can take up to 5 to 10 minutes to fully boot up another operating system. And it can be quite painful while working. But if you have SSD on your PC then you can switch from dual boot system from Windows to Linux in 1/2 minute.

Want to test the operating system?

You've probably been using Windows since you were a kid. You feel bored using Windows. Now you want to switch to Linux. It is best not to use dual boot in this situation. Installing an operating system on dual boot, then deleting the operating system from it if you don't like it later - these tasks are quite troublesome. You also need to tweak sensitive things like your hard disk's disk partition and system bootloader when using dual boot setup. So a virtual machine will be a better choice for you than dual boot to test any operating system.

Run the specified app or not?

Suppose you are a Linux user. You love to work and use Linux, you feel comfortable working GNOME from Windows. But for a photographer and a client you need to use the Adobe Lightroom app. In this case, virtual machine will be the best solution for you than dual boot. If you do not have a specific app on your main operating system, you can only use the virtual machine system to run that app. Virtual machines are used worldwide to run specific apps.

Want extra security from viruses?

One of the great advantages of a virtual machine over dual boot is that it runs on Sandboxed standard. This means that nothing in the operating system of the virtual machine will affect your main operating system in any way. So if you want to test the security fields or any deadly website or any security suite, always do it in a virtual machine. So if you are infected with malware or virus, you can just reset the virtual machine and start using it again.

Want to clone operating system?

You cannot clone any OS in a dual boot setup system. But in a virtual machine you can save the entire area of ​​an operating system in a single file. And you can take the file to a pen drive and start using it by copying and pasting it on another PC in a virtual machine. This means you can easily clone the OS on a virtual machine. The clone system is quite effective for system backup in addition to portable use.

Do you have a powerful PC?

Usually all the performance of your PC hardware is assigned to run the operating system installed on your PC. But running another operating system on a virtual machine can split your PC's hardware performance into two.

Older generation computers and laptops are not as powerful, so there is no option in front of you except dual booting options. When you switch to an operating system using a dual boot system, all your hardware performance goes to the new operating system just like the previous one. This means that the more powerful your PC, the more comfortable it will be to run the OS on a virtual machine.

How much power is required to operate a virtual machine comfortably? It depends on which operating system you run on the virtual machine. If you use a lightweight operating system like Linux, you can use it on a normal PC. But if you run a heavy operating system like Windows 10 or MacOS then you need a powerful PC of the modern age.

I hope you will get a clear idea about which method to use for using multiple operating systems on the same PC after reading this post. Both methods have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, it seems to me that the dual boot system is better for running multiple OS permanently. But if you do not have an advanced idea about PC, you will have to go through a lot of trouble to set up a dual boot system.