Dual Booting Ubuntu 15.10 and Windows 10 on SSD: Guidelines and Considerations

Deciding whether to dual boot Ubuntu 15.10 and Windows 10 on an SSD can be a complex process. Given that an SSD typically offers 64GB of space, it is often recommended to prioritize one operating system over the other, particularly when one operates more critical tasks. This article provides detailed steps and considerations for those making this decision, emphasizing the benefits of dual booting over virtualization alternatives.

The Benefits of Dual Booting vs. Virtualization

While some argue that dual booting is a waste of resources, others believe it offers significant advantages over using virtualization tools such as VMware. For coding and other performance-intensive activities, dual booting can significantly enhance speed and efficiency. VMware, on the other hand, often leads to reduced performance and increased complexity.

Why Dual Booting is Preferable to VMware

When you need optimal performance, dual booting allows you to take full advantage of the hardware, whereas virtualization software can introduce bottlenecks. By installing Windows as your primary OS and setting up Ubuntu alongside it, you can boot into the more suitable operating system based on your needs. This setup also allows you to access shared storage from both operating systems, enhancing flexibility.

Steps to Install Ubuntu 15.10 and Windows 10 on SSD

Install Windows 10 First: Follow standard procedures to install Windows on your SSD. This will serve as the primary OS on your system. Create the Ubuntu Bootable USB: Download the Ubuntu 15.10 .iso file and use a program like Linux Live USB Creator to create a bootable USB drive. Ensure you have a USB drive with sufficient capacity. Install Ubuntu Aligned with Windows: Boot from the USB and select the option to install Ubuntu. During the installation process, choose to install Ubuntu alongside Windows. Allocate approximately 20GB for the root partition. Manage Your Storage Efficiently: Consider where to place files and user directories. For example, you may move the home directory to the HDD for better space management. This can be done during the Ubuntu installation process.

Alternatives to Dual Booting: Using Virtualization Tools

For those who prefer not to dual boot, virtualization tools like ESXI, VirtualBox, or VMware Workstation offer alternatives. However, these options can be resource-intensive and may not provide the same performance as a dual boot setup. ESXI, in particular, requires its own dedicated system and can run multiple virtual machines effectively.

Setting Up ESXI and Running VMs

If you decide to use ESXI, you can set up a dedicated PC with specifications like a single quadcore processor, 8GB of RAM, and 500GB of storage. This system can run multiple VM instances, including Ubuntu 15.10. Alternatively, you can run Ubuntu within Windows 10 using tools like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation. Another advanced method is to use containerization with Docker on Windows 10, which can provide a lightweight, efficient way to run Ubuntu without the overhead of a full virtual machine.

Conclusion

Dual booting Ubuntu 15.10 and Windows 10 on an SSD offers a balanced and efficient solution for using both operating systems. While virtualization has its place for flexibility, it often comes with performance drawbacks that dual booting can avoid. Whether you choose to dual boot or use VMs, prioritize your storage and performance needs to optimize your computing experience.