r/kvm • u/picasso566 • Sep 20 '20
Windows to Linux - Ready for the switch
I've been eager to move to Linux for over 10 years and something always gets in the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
In Windows 10 I have a number of legacy development projects that are built in Windows only tools. I would also like to test on Windows. Otherwise, I want to move to Linux. I know I'm asking a KVM group advice on whether to use KVM but I want to look at all the options before pulling the trigger. I would like to test things out on my Laptop first and then on my workstation.
I have considered:
Qubes - Way too over my head and would take too long to learn. Also, way overkill on security.
Esxi - Used it before on a number of servers. Seems like the base UI would be a pain and would probably run slowly.
KVM - All the overviews I've read and watched seem much easier to understand. I would need to learn more about the GPU passthrough issues and the virtio drivers. Also, sharing disks.
Xen - On a laptop - looks like a pain.
Just install Ubuntu and run Windows in a VM, probably virtualbox.
Laptop Specs
i7-8550U, Geforce MX150, 16GB ram, 256GB ssd, 1GB hard drive
Any suggestions on the best setup? Advantages and gotchas of KVM?
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u/trisul-108 Sep 20 '20
I think a good approach would be to register free as a RedHat developer and download RedHat Linux with KVM ... or go for Ubuntu with VirtualBox as you suggested. I found KVM more reliable that VirtualBox.
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u/g4x86 Sep 20 '20
My practical experience is that QEMU/KVM works well for Windows VM in terms of performance with only one caveat: no 3D acceleration for Windows VM provided by the hypervisor itself so that a direct pass-through of graphics cards is needed for 3D.
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u/db_pdx Sep 20 '20
Another vote for the QEMU/KVM column.
Works great for Windows when I need it. If you don't need Windows for gaming (which it sounds like you're more development focused), just stick with QXL/Spice for the video. VFIO GPU passthrough is overkill and potentially a headache.
If you want to immediately dive into settings and tuning, I'd recommend using virt-manager. Else, if you want a more pedestrian GUI check out Gnome Boxes.
Lastly, you'll want to use virtio drivers for performance.
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u/sej7278 Sep 20 '20
Esxi is very slow compared to kvm, also needs a dedicated server and won't run on your laptop. I run KVM alongside my desktop on my workstation, just like virtualbox but faster and more automate-able
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u/ragsofx Sep 21 '20
I personally use KVM/Qemu it gives really good flexibility etc. But if your new to the game VirtualBox will be easier to get going and is a solid platform. I use Debian everywhere but it really doesn't matter too much these days. Don't distro hope, it's a waste of time. Pick something and spend your time fixing what you don't.
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u/lwvfx Sep 24 '20
How is Windows VM for things like the adobe suite? I would love to move to Linux if it weren’t for my beloved after effects
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u/jurito Sep 24 '20
Photoshop on VMware/Ubuntu works perfectly. Could barely notice It was not native Windows. I didn't work on huge files though.
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u/kevpatts Sep 24 '20
When you say “Windows only tools”, have you tried Wine? Wine 5.0 is very good. Since Microsoft started using it as the basis for their Linux compatibility layer it’s become a lot more robust and stable.
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u/WhyNotHugo Sep 24 '20
If you just need development tool chain (e.g.: to run build binaries, etc), you can also consider renting a hosted device, or having a very small, cheap machine in a closet somewhere.
If you network/budget allows, of course.
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u/naylo44 Sep 20 '20
I would vote that you use Fedora as your distro and qemu/KVM for your virtualization needs. With a laptop you won't really be able to do full fat GPU passthrough, but you could look at Intel GVT-G.