4 ways to try Linux

So you want to try out Linux but you aren't really sure how to do it? I want to show you four ways:

Ditch Windows, install Linux

Take your computer, format C: and install Linux. Frankly, I don't see any advantage in doing this. You give up all the Windows-specific know-how you already have for something you don't know.

Dual-Boot Windows and Linux

Many distributions, e.g. Ubuntu and SUSE allow you to install them onto a separate partition. When starting your computer you can select if you want to work under Windows or under Linux. Even better, if you install Linux on a USB disk you can take this disk anywhere and boot any computer with it - provided the computer is modern enough to boot from USB.

Use a virtual machine

You don't have a spare computer around? Just install VirtualBox (available for Windows and Linux) and create a virtual machine on your computer. There you can install Linux and experiment without the danger to break anything out of your virtual machine.

VirtualBox hosting 4 virtual Linux machines

And the best thing is - you can run Windows and Linux simultaneously. You do not have to decide when booting which one you want to use. When both operating systems are running it is also easy to copy files between Linux and Windows. VirtualBox also allows you to access USB devices that are attached to the physical machine as if they were attached to the virtual machine.

Use a remote desktop over the internet

The easiest way to try Linux is via a Linux desktop on a remote computer via the network. Here it depends if you are behind a corporate firewall or not. If you are (or if you don't know) GuacaMole will work and give you a Linux desktop in a browser.

FireFox accessing a Linux desktop shared via GuacaMole

If you are directly in the public internet, you can also use NoMachine's NX. In both cases be aware - you will not be able to access your local hardware like USB sticks or hard drives. The easiest way to get access to such a shared Linux desktop is to rent a server and install the needed software.