linux on a windows 8 laptop?

Hi,
I am currently using an Acer Aspire V5-573G and i was considering replacing the pre-installed windows 8.1 with a linux distro. I primarily use the laptop for college related work, which would include working with word/powerpoint/excel/pdf documents, working with programs like eclipse and vsphere, listening to music and general web browsing. I was just wondering what i should take into consideration when deciding to install a linux distro? Would successfully installing a distro on this model be possible? e.g. driver issues etc. Also which distro would be best suited for my needs? Any help would be appreciated.
Answer #1
Create another partition for Linux and dual boot it with Windows 8.1. That way you can try Linux out to see if you like it before binning Windows.
The other way you could do it is to save your current system using Acronis or EaseUS imaging software, put the image somewhere safe like a different partition/hard disk from the OS then install Linux and if it all goes pear-shaped just reinstall your system from the image. If you use this method make sure you do a recovery disk via the software (Acronis/EaseUS) you use because you’ll need this (or a USB recovery stick) to access the saved image.
Answer #2
You won’t have any issues at all provided that you get one of the feature-rich versions like Ubuntu or LinuxMint (also Fedora might suit you).
Answer #3
@SaturnSid : i actually didn’t think of the option to test linux on the machine first before following through, thanks
@Jack_Torrance : so Ubuntu/LinuxMint/Fedora would be the ditros best suited for my needs and would have solutions for most if not all compatibility issues?
Answer #4
@SaturnSid : i actually didn't think of the option to test linux on the machine first before following through, thanks
@Jack_Torrance : so Ubuntu/LinuxMint/Fedora would be the ditros best suited for my needs and would have solutions for most if not all compatibility issues?
It’s years since I dual booted Linux (I dumped it because I didn’t like it but it has come on a bit since then) but I think Linux takes over boot management … i.e. you get a Linux popup during bootup asking if you want to boot into Windows or Linux.
Answer #5
You can keep Windows bootloader for 8 if you want. It really depends. Yes the above distributions are the most frequently updated and are made for strong machines like your PC.
Answer #6
Or if you want to just try linux, you can alway go the live boot usb/cd route.
Answer #7
@ : yeah that seems to be the easiest method to take it for a test run before a full install