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How to dual-boot Windows 11 and Linux on your PC
If you want to use Windows 11 and Linux on the same computer, the best option may be to dual boot. Here's how to set up your PC for it.
Today, Windows 11 is widely available on all kinds of PCs, and it packs a lot of improvements from previous releases. From cutting-edge desktops to versatile convertible laptops, you're more likely to have Windows 11 installed on the newest devices on the market. But as good as it may be, there are plenty of cases where you may prefer something like Linux over Microsoft's flagship OS. That said, not everyone might be ready to transition to Linux just yet. So, we've compiled a step-by-step guide to help you configure your PC to boot into Linux or Windows 11 whenever you want.
How to mount in Ubuntu
Mounting is an everyday task in Ubuntu, and it can be done via the Files app, or using the terminal
There are a lot of tasks you'll come across during everyday use of the Ubuntu operating system, and the many other great Linux distributions. One of the most common is mounting drives, either internal or external ones like a solid-state drive or a portable USB drive. Mounting a drive makes it more accessible for read/write operations to Ubuntu in the root file system, which is the deeper part of your operating system. It will give it a directory on Ubuntu, and what's known as a mount point.
How to zip and unzip files and folders in Ubuntu
Zipping and unzipping files on Ubuntu is really easy, and we have a basic guide on how to do it.
If you want to transfer files to another person, one of the best ways to do that is through a zip file. Not only is it a single file that's easily transferred (versus sending a whole folder), it often makes files smaller thanks to compression, as well. if you're new to Linux, then you're probably wondering how you can zip your files to transfer to someone else. Thankfully, it's easy, and we'll show you how.
6 quality of life features Windows can learn from Linux
2024 is shaping up to be a great year for Windows, and I'd love to see these six features added into the beloved operating system
Windows 11 had quite a rocky start when Microsoft first unveiled it in 2021. But after years of updates, the OS has gained quite a bit of following from the community, and many of us are awaiting the new additions to Windows 11 with bated breath. Fortunately, with the AI-powered Moment 5 update and the feature-laden Windows 11 version 24H2 coming later this year, there’s a lot to look forward to if you're a fan of Microsoft's latest operating system.
How to change the hostname on Ubuntu
The hostname is the name of your Ubuntu device, and you can swap it out to something more recognizable in a few simple steps.
If you've ever set up a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, you may have noticed the installer prompts you to enter a name for your machine. Commonly called the hostname, it's the name that identifies your Linux system every time you connect to another device over a network or Bluetooth connection.
How to log in as root in Ubuntu
The root access in Ubuntu gives you full access to edit configuration files and other administrative tasks. Here's how to log in as root.
On many of the most popular Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, it's possible to log into your computer as a "root" user. The root user is one of the highest possible types of accounts you can use on any desktop or laptop that runs Linux. Consider it like the primary administrator. You'll get full administrative privileges on the entire system for editing configuration files and accomplishing other common tasks. It's not turned on by default, though, and will require some extra work. So, we're here to help with a look at how to unlock the root account and log in with it.
How to remote desktop to Ubuntu
If you need to access your Ubuntu system remotely, you'll have to tweak these few settings.
Remote desktop is quite convenient for desktop users who wish to access their high-end rigs from another device, like a laptop. These days, pretty much every operating system, be it Windows 11 or Linux, lets you set up a remote desktop as long as you have an Internet connection on both systems.
KDE hopes its Slimbook V featuring an AMD 7840HS is enough to rival Windows
The Linux-based laptop has a 16-inch display with a 2560x1600 resolution
If you’ve always used a Windows PC and you’re interested in seeing what else is out there, there are other developers working to create viable alternatives. KDE, the open-source community, is one group dedicated to making versatile software to suit a wide array of needs. Plasma is its open source operating system, and it has already been introduced and adopted on mobile by many. Now, KDE is back with a new Linux-based laptop that could give Microsoft a run for its money.
What is Ubuntu? The ins and outs of one of the most popular Linux distros
When it comes to Linux, one of its most mainstream implementations is Ubuntu. Here's everything you need to know.
You've probably heard of Linux even if you haven't used it, and while it is often talked about as an alternative to Windows, Linux isn't just one thing. There are lots of different implementations of Linux, and one of the most popular is Ubuntu, which advertises itself as the Linux operating system for data centers, enterprise PCs, regular desktops and laptops, and more. Here's everything you need to know about Ubuntu.
Do you need an antivirus on Linux?
Antivirus software for Windows is big business, but do you need it if you're a Linux user?
Antiviruses on Windows have been big business for decades now, with an entire ecosystem of companies existing to protect Windows PCs. Microsoft even ships its own antivirus — Windows Defender — by default with Windows. But the question of whether you need an antivirus for Linux has been around for almost as long. There's a lot of nuance to this discussion, and the common claims that both viruses and antivirus software for Linux simply don't exist are false.
6 essential gaming apps for Linux
Want to game on your Linux machine? Here are six of our favorite apps that can improve your gaming experience
Linux may not be able to beat Windows 11 when it comes to sheer gaming prowess, but the meteoric surge in the popularity of gaming handhelds has resulted in more casual users embracing the underdog OS. Over the last couple of years, developers have released a host of toolkits, overlays, and compatibility layers to improve the gaming experience on Linux.
Anaconda can be used to build and launch packages using Python and other supported programming languages It's a handy platform that can streamline the process to make it much easier for just about anyone to get into data science. I'm going to run you through what Anaconda is and how to install it and Conda on Linux.
Tired of using Windows and want to test Linux but are afraid your PC games won't work? Valve has the answer with its Proton compatibility layer. This allows thousands of Windows-only games to run most natively on Linux, removing obstacles and allowing you to play most of your game collection without a major difference in performance. This guide will walk you through a brief history of gaming on Linux and how to get everything running through Proton on Steam.
A swap file is a form of virtual memory, similar to random access memory (RAM) and cache on a processor in which a file swap can be used to store temporary data. It's the slowest form of memory, located on an HDD or SSD, and is reserved by the Linux system for use when the OS runs out of RAM. By configuring your Linux installation to use a swap file, you can technically use more RAM than your PC has physically installed.
How to back up and restore a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro
Making a backup of your WSL distros is a smart idea and can help you move instances between machines as well. Here's how you do it.
It's always a good idea to back up your PC occasionally. You never know when something will go wrong, so whether you're using Linux, Windows 11, or macOS, regular backups are a good thing. And if you're using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it's also a good idea to back up your Linux instances.
5 of the most underrated Linux distros
As a distro hopper who loves experimenting with Linux, here are five distributions that deserve more love
Unlike Windows and macOS, which are proprietary operating systems, Linux is fully open-source. This allows users and organizations to build their own flavors of Linux in the form of distributions. As such, there are hundreds of other distributions, each fine-tuned to meet the criteria of its users.
How to set up a powerful home VPN with Tailscale
We'll show you how to set up easy anywhere-access to your home services using Tailscale
If you're running services in your home, whether a media server like Plex or fully fledged network-attached storage (NAS), there inevitably comes a time when you want to access these services away from home. But exposing services to the internet can be dangerous — and it isn't something we recommend. By making your services accessible to the internet, you open a vast attack surface that can leave your whole home network exposed.
How to check CPU and memory utilization in Linux
Keep your CPU and memory usage in check with these simple commands
Understanding and keeping tabs on your CPU and memory usage is crucial for running your system smoothly. Windows laptops have handy tools and even widgets to help you effortlessly monitor CPU, GPU, and RAM usage, but it's not as straightforward on Linux. It takes a more technical approach and lets you use a plethora of commands to monitor things like CPU and memory utilization. I've tested these methods on an Ubuntu 23.10 machine, but they work on most Linux machines.
How to install Go on Ubuntu
The Go programming language is easy to install on Ubuntu through the package manager
Ubuntu is one of the many popular Linux distributions that developers and programmers use daily. If that's you, you might be wondering how to install the programming language Go, sometimes called Golang. Like many tasks on Linux, this is quite easy to do since all you need are a few terminal commands. You can install Go from the official Binary package, through the APT package manager, or from a Snap package. Regardless of which method you use, we're here to help you out.
How to install Ubuntu
Want to install Ubuntu in place of Windows or another operating system? We run you through the entire process
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions out there, so if you want to try it out, we're happy to tell you that getting started with it isn't all too bad. The process of installing Ubuntu Linux is pretty similar to installing Windows 11. You'll need to do a few things, like downloading an ISO for Ubuntu, creating a bootable installation media, and then preparing your PC for booting from that media. You can then run through the installer. Don't worry if it seems like a lot. A typical installation and setup can take less than an hour, and we're here to help guide you through the process.