Linux · Stage 0 – Before You Touch the Terminal · Lesson 3 of 51

Ways to Get Linux

Compare a virtual machine, dual boot, WSL, and a cloud server without installing anything yet.

A VM is like placing a practice computer inside a safe box. If you make a mistake, your normal Windows or macOS installation remains separate. It needs enough memory and disk space, but it is the path this course recommends.

Dual boot gives Linux direct access to hardware, but changing disk partitions carries more risk. Switching systems also requires restarting the computer.

For this beginner course, choose an Ubuntu virtual machine. It is visual, reversible, and close to a complete Linux computer without changing your main disk layout.