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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For most computer science students, the best first week is not a full switch. Start with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) if your immediate need is Linux command-line tools and a Linux development environment, and keep the Windows desktop you already rely on. Choose a virtual machine if you want to explore a complete Ubuntu desktop without touching your existing system. Consider a USB session or a native installation only when you need direct access to the hardware and are prepared to manage disk changes and backups.
This guide is a planning framework built from Canonical’s Ubuntu documentation and Microsoft’s WSL and VS Code guidance, not a log of personal installations. Commands and compatibility notes below are documented procedures. Check the current instructions for your own Windows version, laptop, and course software before you act on them.
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Decide how much Linux your coursework actually needs
The useful question is not whether Linux is better than Windows. It is which Linux environment your classes require. Before you change anything, list three things: the programming languages and tools your current courses use, any lab instructions that mention Linux, Unix shells, or a specific distribution, and any Windows-only applications you cannot replace this term.
If the answer is mostly “a terminal, a compiler, and Git,” WSL is usually enough. If a lab asks you to work on a full Linux desktop or to test something that depends on the kernel and system services, a virtual machine or native installation becomes more relevant. The table below compares the main options on the five factors that matter in week one.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
| Factor | WSL on Windows | Virtual machine (Ubuntu) | USB live session or native install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows stays available in the same session | Yes. Linux runs alongside your Windows apps. | Yes. The VM runs in a window on top of Windows. | No for a native install, which replaces Windows as the running OS. A USB session also runs as the sole OS on that machine. |
| Type of Linux environment | Linux distribution for command-line and development tools (Ubuntu documented) | Full Ubuntu desktop in an isolated environment | Full Ubuntu desktop with direct hardware access |
| Setup and rollback complexity | Low to moderate. Requires enabling virtualization and Virtual Machine Platform, then installing Ubuntu. | Moderate. Easy to delete the VM later, as Ubuntu notes for isolated environments. | Highest. Involves USB media, partition changes, and BitLocker checks. Back up first. |
| Access to the computer’s hardware | Limited compared with a native desktop | Virtualized hardware, not the physical devices directly | Direct access, so driver support depends on your exact laptop |
| Fit with course-required software | Good for Linux tools and VS Code workflows. Windows-only applications still run on Windows. | Good for Linux desktop tasks. Windows-only applications need Windows. | Good for Linux-native work. Windows-only applications need a dual-boot or Windows partition. |
Performance differences between these paths depend on your hardware and course workload. The sources behind this guide do not establish a machine-specific performance ranking, so test against your own assignments.
The three starting paths
WSL on Windows
WSL is the lowest-commitment route to Linux for a Windows user. It runs a Linux distribution inside Windows, so you can use a Linux shell, compilers, and package managers without dual-booting. Canonical’s Ubuntu WSL tutorial lists Windows 11, or Windows 10 version 21H2 or later, on a physical machine as the documented prerequisite, and recommends Windows 11. Virtualization must be enabled in your firmware, and the Virtual Machine Platform feature must be turned on. A restart may be required after installation.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
Virtual machine
A virtual machine is a good choice when you want a complete Ubuntu desktop but do not want to change the disk that Windows uses. Ubuntu describes VMs as useful for testing, learning, and development in an isolated environment that can be deleted easily. That isolation is the main advantage: a broken experiment stays inside the VM. The trade-off is that a VM is a window on your computer rather than the machine itself, so it is not the right test for hardware drivers.
USB live session or native installation
Ubuntu’s current desktop instructions let you try Ubuntu from a USB drive before installing it. This is the safest way to preview the desktop, check how your Wi-Fi, display, and trackpad behave, and decide whether a full install is worth the effort. Ubuntu also suggests checking whether your device is certified for Ubuntu before installation.
Rank #3
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
A native installation is the most complete option and the most consequential. For the installer, Ubuntu recommends a USB flash drive of 8 GB or above and at least 25 GB of storage on the target disk, as stated in the current Ubuntu Desktop installation guide. A 32 GB flash drive gives comfortable headroom for the installer and is a practical choice, but 32 GB is not a requirement. Writing the Ubuntu image to the flash drive erases everything on it, so use a drive with nothing you need. WSL and VM users do not need a USB drive for these steps.
Ubuntu’s installation guide describes its guided installer in promotional terms: “If you’ve never installed an operating system, don’t worry: Ubuntu makes the process very easy.” Treat that as Canonical’s description of the installer’s design, not a guarantee that every laptop installs without problems.
Rank #4
- THE POWER TO STAY PRODUCTIVE – Looking to make your everyday work and home life more manageable without breaking the bank? The Lenovo V15 Gen 4 offers long-term reliability with top-of-the-line features to make you your most productive self.
- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
A first-week plan you can adapt
- Keep the first decision reversible. Start with WSL or a VM if your courses do not require a native Linux desktop. Before you consider replacing or repartitioning Windows, write down the required programs, any Windows-only software, and the lab instructions that depend on a specific environment.
- Make the terminal a small daily practice. Use it to move into a course project folder, list files, create a directory, and run one program from one of your classes. Use tasks you actually have. Nothing in the sources prescribes a universal first-week curriculum or a single language for every computer science program.
- Open a Linux-side project in VS Code. Microsoft’s WSL setup installs VS Code on Windows, adds the WSL extension, and lets you open a project from the WSL terminal with
code .. The editor interface runs on Windows, while the server, code, Git, and relevant extensions run inside the Linux distribution. Some extensions, including language tooling, must also be installed in WSL, not only on Windows. - Install only what the course needs. Update the distribution, then add the runtime, compiler, or command-line tools required by the current assignment. VS Code’s Linux documentation lists Git, Node.js, TypeScript, language runtimes, and command-line tools as typical workflow components, but it does not make them all mandatory. Git is valuable for collaboration and hosted projects. Microsoft labels the Git installation step in its WSL setup as optional.
- Review at the end of the week. Decide based on friction and requirements, not on a sense that you have to “complete the switch.” If your coursework runs in the environment you chose and you still need Windows for other tasks, that is a successful outcome.
Set up WSL step by step
The following sequence follows Ubuntu’s WSL tutorial and Microsoft’s VS Code setup. Check the current screens against the official documentation, because menu names and wording change between releases.
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- Enable virtualization. Turn on hardware virtualization in your firmware settings (BIOS or UEFI). The option’s name and location depend on your laptop manufacturer.
- Turn on Virtual Machine Platform. Open Control Panel, go to Programs, then Turn Windows features on or off, and enable Virtual Machine Platform.
- Install WSL and Ubuntu. Open PowerShell and run
wsl --install. Restart if Windows asks you to. After the restart, Ubuntu opens so you can finish its first-run setup. - Install VS Code and the WSL extension. Install Visual Studio Code on Windows, then add the WSL extension from its Extensions view.
- Open a project from Linux. In the Ubuntu terminal, move into your project folder and run
code .. VS Code opens the project with its Linux-side tools. - Update Ubuntu and add tools as needed. Run
sudo apt updateandsudo apt upgrade, then install only what your course requires. Git can be added withsudo apt install gitif your course uses it.
Data safety and the BitLocker check
Back up files that matter before you install an operating system or prepare install media. Move them to another storage device, such as a separate drive or a cloud account you control. A backup is not optional when you partition a disk, and it protects you if a USB drive is selected by mistake.
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
Treat BitLocker as a stop-and-check item before attempting a dual-boot installation. Ubuntu’s installer cannot read the partition structure it needs for a safe side-by-side setup while Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption is active. The documented options are to cancel the installation, erase Windows, or turn BitLocker off. Ubuntu also warns that some Windows versions may not allow BitLocker to be re-enabled after you turn it off. Confirm your Windows edition, make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key, and complete a verified backup before you change encryption settings. Do not turn off disk encryption casually.
What is not guaranteed
Hardware support depends on your exact laptop and its components. Wi-Fi chipsets, graphics drivers, sleep and wake behavior, fingerprint readers, and vendor utilities can each behave differently on Linux. This is why the USB try-session is the cheapest test: it lets you check those features before you commit disk space.
The sources behind this guide also do not establish how many computer science students switch to Linux or how successful a first week typically is. A 2024 paper by Larissa Salerno, Christoph Treude, and Patanamon Thongtatunam analyzed 24 live software installation sessions by novice developers. It describes how novices install software tools in general. It does not measure Linux adoption or student success, so it should not be read as evidence for either.
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End-of-week checklist
- Your required programs run in the environment you chose, from a terminal or an editor such as VS Code.
- Any lab instructions that mention a native Linux desktop or kernel-level features are either satisfied or confirmed with your instructor.
- You still have a working Windows setup for software that has no Linux equivalent in your course.
- If you tried a USB session or installation, you verified hardware features you depend on, and your backups are complete.
- You have not changed BitLocker or partitioning unless you reviewed the documented options and recovery steps first.
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