ZDNETWith Windows 10 support due to end soon, many users are looking for an alternative OS, so they don’t have to purchase yet another computer. One of the best options for most people is Linux. Modern Linux distributions are user-friendly, rock-solid, and free.If you have zero experience with Linux, you might think it’s above your skills, so you have yet to find the courage to use it. Back in 1997, when I discovered Linux, I was clueless about how it worked. When I finally installed the open-source OS, I didn’t know that it overwrote Windows, which meant I had no choice but to learn Linux.Also: Thinking about switching to Linux? 10 things you need to knowHowever, there was another option: dual-booting. What is dual-booting?Essentially, dual-booting means you’ll have access to two (or more, if necessary) operating systems. For example, let’s say your computer is running Windows 10 and you want to install Linux alongside it. You would install Linux, making sure to set it up properly during the installation (more on that in a bit), such that you would have access to both operating systems (although not simultaneously).Also: 5 ways to save your Windows 10 PC in 2025 – and most are freeOnce you’ve set up dual-booting, when you start (or restart) your computer, you get to select which operating system you want to use. If you have both Linux and Windows installed, you’ll be presented with those two options. Even better, when using Linux, you can also mount the Windows partitions and access the files housed within that OS.So, why would you want this option? It’s a great way to test Linux while still having Windows available to you. Another great reason to take this approach is that you can use Linux while still having access to the Windows apps you depend on. You could boot into Linux, use it for whatever you need, and then reboot the computer, select Windows, and use whatever apps you need (if the tools aren’t available for Linux). Dual-booting is a way to get the best of both worlds.I will add that, from my perspective, the best option for testing Linux, while retaining Windows, is to use a virtual machine manager (such as VirtualBox). However, not everyone is comfortable using virtual machines (they can be a bit intimidating). If dealing with virtual machines sounds too complicated for you, then dual-booting might be the best option. More