[Discuss] Experiences virtualizing: Linux hosted in Windows vs Windows hosted in Linux

[John Hall]

What is your experience virtualing Linux on Windows, or Windows on Linux?
I want access to both systems so I tend to do one or the other. I do not
consider "dual booting" a solution since I want to run both systems not
either system.


Since most laptops come with windows it's less of a hassle and less risky
to just leave it be, and virtualize linux. I currently boot Windows and
virtualize Linux using VMWare Workstation.

​I'd been doing the reverse for years and while I would prefer running
linux native, it was more sensible on a desktop where I could hand-pick the
components. It was also a time when boots were over ten times longer,
windows was much less stable, and required reboot more often.

I know I've been manipulated by the Microsoft UEFI/secure boot conspiracy
and licensing. Not sure it's legal for my windows license to reverse
virtualization. I have an ultimate license for windows 7 for the old
desktop that specifically allows virtualization. I am not sure windows 10
upgraded from windows 8 would "like" running in a virtual machine. They
have made it more convenient for me to just virtualize linux.

​For now I plan to leave things as they are but I am researching UEFI and
how to disable it to at least know how I'd boot to a USB key as the
no-opt-out automated Windows 10 updates could break something. I have a
Lenovo laptop. Y50-70. To deal with firmware settings I have to go through
several menus in Windows control panels to trigger it to enter a settings
mode that is bios-like. A few people have said Lenovo is good for Linux.
Does that apply to my model?
​
*Advantages of Linux on windows*
Hardware works without fiddling more often.
Less work, so more time to do other things. I have no specific problem with
doing anything I could do running Linux natively. Since it's not broken, I
do not see a reason to fix it.
New hardware was a generation newer and an upgrade to using ssd instead of
HD so I do not notice a performance costs.

*Disadvantages  of Linux on Windows​ / Reasons to **switch*
It is a bit more productive for me using Linux as my primary OS.
It does not "feel" as secure. It was nice to know I had virtual disk save
points to revert windows if i got a virus on my system.
Not as "cool" or "hip" as Linux native.
System could be more easily possessed by some Cabal.
Performance costs for Linux applications