For those new to Linux, diving into an unfamiliar system can be intimidating. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to test Linux before fully committing.

Here, we’ll explore four popular methods: Ventoy, DistroSea, Virtual Machines, and Live USBs. Each has its own pros, cons, and setup steps, allowing you to choose what works best for your needs.

1. Ventoy

Ventoy is a multi-boot tool that simplifies testing multiple Linux distributions on the same USB drive.

How to Use Ventoy

  1. Download and install Ventoy from its official site.
  2. Format your USB drive using Ventoy.
  3. Copy ISO files of your preferred Linux distributions to the USB drive.
  4. Boot your system from the USB and choose a distro from the Ventoy menu.

Pros

  • Supports multiple ISOs on a single USB.
  • No need to reformat the drive when adding new ISOs.
  • Easy to set up and update.
  • Compatible with various Linux distributions.

Cons

  • Requires a USB drive with adequate space.
  • Not as straightforward for complete beginners.
  • Performance depends on USB drive speed.

2. DistroSea

DistroSea is a web-based platform that lets you try Linux distributions directly in your browser without installation.

How to Use DistroSea

  1. Visit DistroSea.
  2. Select the Linux distro you want to test.
  3. Launch the live demo in your browser.

Pros

  • No installation or downloads required.
  • Accessible from any device with a browser.
  • Perfect for quickly exploring the interface of various distros.

Cons

  • Limited functionality due to browser-based operation.
  • Slow performance compared to local setups.
  • Internet connection is required.

3. Virtual Machine (VM)

A virtual machine allows you to run Linux inside your existing operating system using software like VirtualBox or VMware.

How to Use a Virtual Machine

  1. Install VirtualBox or VMware on your current OS.
  2. Download the ISO of the Linux distro you want to try.
  3. Create a new virtual machine and allocate resources (RAM, disk space, etc.).
  4. Attach the ISO to the virtual machine and start it.

Pros

  • Test Linux without affecting your primary OS.
  • Easy to switch between Linux and your current system.
  • Full Linux experience with customization options.

Cons

  • Requires a powerful system with sufficient RAM and CPU resources.
  • Performance may lag compared to a direct installation.
  • Initial setup can be daunting for newcomers.

4. Live USB

A live USB lets you boot directly into Linux without installing it on your hard drive.

How to Use a Live USB

  1. Download the ISO file of the Linux distro.
  2. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB.
  3. Boot your computer from the USB and select the “Try Linux” option.

Pros

  • Experience Linux in its native environment.
  • Does not affect your existing system.
  • Persistent storage can be configured to save changes.

Cons

  • USB creation takes some time.
  • Performance may be slower on older USB drives.
  • Changes are lost without persistent storage.