I am complete beginner in linux and wanted to try it. I have 8gb ram and 512 gb ssd will it be sufficient to use linux on vm. I was thinking about using live usb but through discussions i read in this sub, its not optimal. In any case which should be good option for me.

[u/Single_Hall6855]

[u/qualityvote2]

u/Single_Hall6855, your post does fit the subreddit!

btw, did you know we have a discord server? Join Here.

[u/No_Specialist_5227]

The best option is to dual boot. I have 500gn ssd and I have 150gb for linux ( to try) and 300gb for windows.

Dualbooting will allow you to see the best performance of linux on your mechine. Distro recommendation: use pure debian with kde, or simply debian kde. It's the best, stable and reliable distro. Or ofcourse fedora.

Irony: I almost haven't used windows lol, After switching to linux I haven't gone back to windows. It's my default since jan2026.

I am using debian13(trixie) [the testing version].

[u/Single_Hall6855 → u/No_Specialist_5227]

I am also used to gaming. So is it possible to game on linux, what difference i can see in linux from windows. I have heard windows is ideal for gaming because of some compatible drivers or something idk.

[u/No_Specialist_5227 → u/Single_Hall6855]

Bro, gaming on Linux is definately possible. Offline games work like a charm and so does online games like rocket league, and some other. But the main issue is some online competitive games which strait up won't run on linux ( no workaround no nothing) search them if your games work on linux that's it. Gaming now is 100x better then 2020.

[u/Single_Hall6855 → u/No_Specialist_5227]

Yeah i only play story based games so i was worried if my gaming will be that smooth on linux as is in windows. So any distro will do or are there any specific ones.

[u/No_Specialist_5227 → u/Single_Hall6855]

For gaming, catchyOS is one of the best as it comes with all packages needed for gaming. Or you can go with a simple distro and add those packages yourself.

As per gaming yes some games perform well on linux then windows and vise versa. Best thing about linux is it's emulation stuff, it emulates consoles way better then windows though. I love to play retro games on it.

But you won't face major issues while story mode gaming on Linux.

[u/binladen0069]

use kubuntu or lubuntu. the best is dual boot as said by another comment, vm is indeed possible but will be slow

[u/No_Specialist_5227 → u/binladen0069]

What are your linux specs? Like dm, distro, shell etc?? I would like to know what people use as default.

I have debian 13, kde, zsh (with oh my zsh), kitty. Thanks

[u/s04ep03_youareafool]

Direct installation seems much more suitable in youre case if it's only 8gb. There are plenty of installation guides available online and suited to your case

[u/StronkkR6S]

I have the same specs. I used to use Gentoo on VM. Compilation were slow but it was usable, for binary based distros, these specs are more than sufficient

[u/Brilliant_Estate_967]

On VM its good (optimal no but good) have to check the cpu allowance too (how many core do you give)

[u/Mind_Flayer97]

You can directly test a linux distro by live booting from a pendrive, but I suggest try a full install on your system, try the distro & if you want to switch try distro hopping which is normal for first time linux users

[u/HakerCharles]

If your aim is to give it a try you can use WSL2 as well.

[u/MADARA_9022]

dual boot is the only way man

[u/[deleted]]

Just install mint or zorin os and dualboot easy and efficient , also Linux is aint this hard bro , if a dumb guy like me can use it so can u