LWM-Linux/14 - Linux Troubleshooting and Recovery/Managing Multi-Distro Systems.md

3.1 KiB

Managing multiple Linux distributions on a single system can be quite efficient and flexible. Here are some methods and tools to help you manage multi-distro systems on Linux Mint:

Dual Booting

  1. Install Multiple Distros:

    • You can install multiple Linux distributions on separate partitions of your hard drive. During the installation process, ensure you select the correct partition for each distro.
    • Use a tool like GParted to manage your partitions:
      sudo apt-get install gparted
      sudo gparted
      
  2. Configure GRUB:

    • GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) will allow you to select which OS to boot into. After installing multiple distros, update GRUB to include all installed systems:
      sudo update-grub
      

Using Ventoy

  1. Install Ventoy:

    • Ventoy is a tool that allows you to boot multiple Linux distributions from a single USB drive without needing to reflash it each time¹.
    • Download and install Ventoy:
      wget https://github.com/ventoy/Ventoy/releases/download/v1.0.76/ventoy-1.0.76-linux.tar.gz
      tar -xvf ventoy-1.0.76-linux.tar.gz
      cd ventoy-1.0.76
      sudo ./Ventoy2Disk.sh -i /dev/sdX
      
    • Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive identifier.
  2. Add ISOs to Ventoy:

    • Simply copy the ISO files of the distributions you want to the USB drive. Ventoy will automatically detect and list them at boot.

Using Distrobox

  1. Install Distrobox:

    • Distrobox allows you to run multiple Linux distributions inside the terminal using Docker or Podman²³.
    • Install Docker or Podman:
      sudo apt-get install docker.io
      
    • Install Distrobox:
      curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/89luca89/distrobox/main/install | sudo sh
      
  2. Create and Manage Containers:

    • Create a new container with a specific distro:
      distrobox-create --name my-container --image ubuntu:latest
      
    • Enter the container:
      distrobox-enter my-container
      

Additional Resources

For more detailed instructions, you can refer to guides like How to Geek¹ and MakeUseOf².

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/19/2024