Can We Install Two Different Versions of Linux on the Same Computer Using Two Hard Disks?

When considering the installation of multiple Linux distributions on the same computer, the main factor to consider is the available storage space and the types of disks you are using. This article will explore the possibilities of using both an internal and an external hard disk to install different versions of Linux.

Hardware Requirements

Any computer capable of running Linux typically requires at least one hard disk drive (HDD) to store the system and necessary files. While a single HDD can suffice, having more space and flexibility can provide a better user experience. For instance, a 32 GB disk per distribution might be sufficient, but a more modern minimum would be around 64 GB to 128 GB. This size will accommodate the necessary files and packages for a smooth installation and usage.

Differences Between Internal and External Hard Disks

The primary difference between an 'internal' and an 'external' hard disk revolves around their physical location and connectivity. An internal HDD is typically installed inside the computer case and is directly connected to the motherboard. An external HDD, on the other hand, is connected externally via USB or other interfaces, providing the flexibility to plug and unplug the drive as needed.

Booting from External Hard Disk

Using an external hard disk for installation is possible, but it does introduce some additional steps during the boot process. When installing Linux on an external HDD, the disk itself becomes bootable, requiring you to select the "boot from USB" option in the BIOS settings. If this step is overlooked, the system will default to booting from the internal hard disk. To use the external HDD for booting, ensure you adjust your BIOS settings accordingly.

Customizing Desktop Environments

Another approach to having multiple Linux versions installed on the same computer is by customizing the desktop environments within a single distribution. For instance, Ubuntu and Linux Mint allow you to add KDE Plasma and GNOME desktops, giving you the choice of which desktop environment to use. By default, Ubuntu uses the Unity desktop, while Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon desktop. This flexibility allows you to switch between different desktop experiences without the need for dual-booting or separate physical drives.

Partitioning Hard Disks

One of the most flexible approaches is to partition the hard disk(s) into multiple logical drives. This method allows you to install different Linux versions on the same physical disk. By creating partitions, you can separate the file systems for each distribution, making it easier to manage and maintain.

Multiple Distros on a Single Physical Drive

You can install as many different versions of Linux as your hard disk space allows, regardless of whether they are on internal HDDs, external USB drives, network-attached storage (NAS), or SATA drives. This setup can be done in various ways:

Dual Booting: Choose to boot into different distributions based on which partition is active at the time of booting. Virtual Machines: Use virtualization software to run different Linux versions within a single physical machine. Containers: Leverage containerization to deploy multiple Linux environments on a single machine.

The key difference between Linux distributions lies mainly in the libraries and packages, while the kernels for most distributions are largely the same. This means that you can run multiple distributions within a single machine with minimal conflict.

Conclusion

Installing two different versions of Linux using both internal and external hard disks is feasible and offers a high degree of flexibility. Whether you choose to dual boot, use virtual machines, or containerize, the possibilities are vast. Understanding the differences between internal and external hard disks and the partitioning process will help you make an informed decision about the best approach for your setup.

Keywords: Linux installation, different Linux versions, internal and external hard disks