Hi there,
@RealMacleod! I heard my name, so I dropped in.
I have some thoughts I'd like to share.
Oh, please, no! Please, don't tell me about Linux
We're just trying to help.
Suggesting that you use an OS that is more stable, secure, powerful, and customizable than the one you're using is a
good thing.
But aside from that, you're
developing Linux (Android) apps--it could be a huge plus if you used and learned about Linux in its native form. Understanding how things work in Linux, like how its file system is arranged and named, would be useful in creating Android apps.
I have too many things to do on my PC. Gaming, photoshop, 3dMAX and so on.
Are you aware that Linux has thousands of native apps? Apps that are as good as, or better than, their counterparts on other OSes? For example,
the GIMP can replace Photoshop.
I know nothing about "3dMAX"--but there may be a Linux alternative.
Most Linux software is free, and easily installed with a click or two from one's favorite package manager, such as mine, Synaptic.
Some games played on other OSes have native Linux counterparts; those that don't may be playable via
wine. I used to play Roller Coaster Tycoon that way, and it ran like a dream! There are also tons of Linux-only games, installable as described above, with a few clicks.
Maybe it is a good idea to install Linux on VM, but I have heard a lot about the bad stability of such system types. I also think that Androd virtual device may cause troubles in this case because it takes to much resources
I know nothing about that or, really, dual-booting (which I haven't done since...1994(?)), but if others are suggesting it, rest assured they know what they're talking about.
I'll finish by saying that modern Linux distros range from easy-peasy (aimed at transitioning windows users) to those aimed at hardcore *nix geeks.
Once you find out how fast, secure, beautiful, stable and reliable it is--and that, unlike windows, you're in
complete control--you're likely to make it your only OS. Everything in my house runs [some variation of] Linux! Two desktop computers, two laptops, one tablet, two smartphones, and two DVRs. Maybe my microwave and range, too.
If you have any questions at all, please join us in the
Linux mega-thread!