Linux

Here's a link to guide you learning this new language. Mint is an Ubuntu base architecture.

Best of luck and be patient,
*A Basic Guide To Linux

cmmpro1 said:

In using this, is it best to have a dedicated flash drive?

Hi there

even better is an external SSD -- this will run mega fast as a VM -- and if you actually want to try a NATIVE system you can create a bootable Linux system which doesn't interfere with anything on your main machine. Connect via SATA-->USB3 or even USB2 connector -- response time will be just fine.

Note though IMO the best way of creating a bootable USB for a Linux install is to download the iso on windows and use RUFUS to create the bootable install USB stick. Choose MBR for both UEFI and MBR systems as this has the best flexibility and ensure your computer has legacy boot enabled - if there's that option in the BIOS and turn off secure boot if it's on.
You only need that if creating a PHYSICAL machine installation. On a VM you won't need to change anything in your physical computers BIOS.

Personally while a lot use Linux Mint etc I'd suggest for a more "Windows" like experience is to use a "KDE" desktop with dolphin as file manager - but the whole point of Linux is you are totally spoilt for choice.

Running a live distro from a USB stick will probably give disappointment after the first 30 mins or so as the response time will be slow --USB sticks aren't designed for a load of read / write cycles and the solid state circuitry inside them reflects that.

For creating a VM you don't need any USB sticks -- simply download the install iso on Windows, define the iso image as a DVD / CD in the virtual machines config and then boot from the iso image when starting the VM. There's probably a CREATE VM WIZARD in the VM software which you can use to install the Linux VM.

Good luck and have fun.

Cheers
jimbo