Virtualization vs Partition

[techdad]

I'm looking to install Linux on my laptop simply to get familiarized with it. Currently I'm still using Windows 7 and the laptop itself has basic specs for Web browsing and office work.
My question is what's better to run a secondary OS? Virtualization or Partition?
Thanks in advance.

 

[1etherer]

Virtualization, you can break it and reinstall it non-stop, and use it whilst on WIndows.

No worrying about making a bootable usb all the time, also you can run different OS's at the same time, e.g. redhat and ubuntu.

You need atleast 4GB RAM though, but pref is 8GB.

 

[techdad]

Thanks, the breaking it part is great to know since I'm new to Linux it's bound to happen. I just upgraded to 8gb of ram not too long ago so that's not an issue.

 

[Slacker]

not that i2D__ needs me to agree but they are correct Virtual is best. . provided your pc can support it. things to consider does the cpu support virtualization and how much ram is installed on your machine.

 

[Lexluethar]

Virtualization FTW. I agree, it's easier, you can reinstall at any time and you don't have to reboot the computer to simply check your email or access a program on the windows partition.

 

[techdad]

Thanks for all the imputed gang, much appreciated! Going to start on it tonight

 

[1etherer]

not that i2D__ needs me to agree but they are correct Virtual is best. . provided your pc can support it. things to consider does the cpu support virtualization and how much ram is installed on your machine.

You made a good point I forgot to mention, check your CPU can support it, check the bios of the laptop to enable Intel-VT / AMD-V, depending on CPU.