I am building a new PC. I want to run Linux and windows on separate SATA 2.5/3.5 SSD hard drives. I need windows (Winn11 Pro) for work. Linux will run all personal computing needs.

I have a horrible history with dual booting Linux and windows (grub getting murdered).

I currently plan to shut down the PC, switch power to the drives, and start up on the other OS.

Can i use a switch which only toggles power to each drive while keeping data cables attached to accomplish this? Will this be possible with windows on one drive?

Is there a smarter solution?

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Optimized-Controls-Provide-Longevity/dp/B00TZR3E70

Thanks!

  • El Barto@lemmy.world
    1·
    3 days ago

    Ok, I thought you’d be saying something about games or heavy computing.

    You could use Linux as your main driver, and use Windows For Work in a virtualized environment.

    • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      3 days ago

      Hrmm… I could try vm but i want full power either way. Any issues that arise with commercial CAD and cod software would be a headache. I have little experience with vm and it seems like it’s negligibly different in terms of headache than having a dual boot system. I’m not short on drive space or anything. I do need to have some code dev in either os as well

      • El Barto@lemmy.world
        2·
        3 days ago

        Ah, so you do have a high computing need. CAD software definitely requires it.

        So, if I understood correctly, you’d be using a desktop machine - is that correct?

        Is getting a second machine with which you can share screen+keyboard+mouse feasible?

        • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
          1·
          3 days ago

          Not worth it in terms of budget. Both sides will be using cpu rather comparably. Linux side will def be using more gpu. I also can’t justify purchasing two computers with the company. The hardware is kind of a bonus from them and my personal budget needs to go elsewhere but I’m free to use/modify the computer for personal use as long as i continue to deliver on work. The company is (very) small enough i can get this kind of benefit every very long ince in a while😁

          I think the consensus in this thread is that my issue was centered around using a partitioned drive for both instead of separate drives which is my current plan. If things still get whacky I’ll try stronger approaches.

          My history is specifically windows attacking linux/bootloader so i’m not concerned I’ll be risking any work stuff as long as they aren’t futzing with each other’s storage.

          I also have full control over windows group policies (admin in general) so i can really change it to my liking and minimize windows damage from the software side. There’s lots of software solutions for issues around storage use.

          Furthermore, my old pc is going to be a home sync server so it will handle shared data to avoid the need to fish through the opposed drive.

            • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
              2·
              3 days ago

              LMAO I’m 1/3 of the company. If IT has a problem with it I’ll just just go scream at a mirror.

                • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
                  1·
                  3 days ago

                  Why are you so concerned? No im not the founder, just one of the first employees they hired of the few we have. FWIW I’m under no obligation written or implied to approach this device as anything other than a personal pc on which i also conduct work.

                  • El Barto@lemmy.world
                    2·
                    3 days ago

                    Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off as inquisitive or confrontational. I was just curious.

                    Your last piece of context completed the whole picture.

                    Best of luck!