Running Linux On A Windows Or Mac OS System
There are essentially two options for running Linux on a system that is already installed with Windows or MacOS.
- Reinstall the operating system by booting from a install image for the Linux distribution of your choice, from either a thumb-drive, CD or DVD. Most recent Linux installers are capable of configuring Windows systems to dual boot, However Macintosh systems need to be prepared by installing a boot-loader (e.g. rEFInd http://www.rodsbooks.com/refind/getting.html) that understands how to boot from linux disk partitions. There are numerous on-line tutorials about how to install Mac And Windows systems as dual boot with Linux.
- Use virtualization software and create a virtual machine using an install image of the Linux distribution of your choice. Currently enrolled Volgenau School students have access to VMWare for free, more information here The Volgenau School VMWare Program FAQ.
Before making any changes to your system, please ensure you have a complete and reliable backup of any and all necessary files.