switching from windows to linux/unix while studying ccna

[numair_noor]

hi, i am using windows 7 in my x64 bit machine.
i am starting my ccna course after this eid. i want to know what type of operating system should i keep in my machine for best advantage of ccna course.
secondly in ccna, a software named "PACKET TRACER" may be taught in the course. i dont know if this software can be installed on other operating systems as well?
as far as i know. linux is free. but it only allows those softwares to be used which are available from the linux official website. i dont know if any windows software can be used on linux or not. because in near future i might use some software like antenna design etc.hfss or cad feko. pls advise.
third question: i have linux mind dvd. will it be better to install than other linux. i am asking this because it wont need to download and burn the disc again.
regards,
numair
pls give me some fair suggestions.

 

[harryharry]

why don you keep both on a pc

use booting method to boot to operating system of desire.

check out bootit

https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootit-bare-metal.htm

 

[numair_noor]

actually i like to know linux. but i dont know how its gonna be working with time. i dont want to get stuck in the middle of two OS. so please just tell me, what is and what is not possible to install/work on linux.
its free. so its probable to be more likely that it can expand to unlimited. but i just need to know.
thanks harry.

 

[horace1]

although it is possible to partition a disk to be able to boot multiple operating systems I find it simpler to run a number of virtual machines, e.g. Oracles's Virtualbox
https://www.virtualbox.org/

for example, one can have a Windows 7 or Linux host with multiple VMs such as different Windows versions, linux versions, Solaris, etc, etc
it pays to have a large amount of RAM (I use 16Gbytes) and run a 64 bit operating system

certain software and drivers will not work with 64bit operating systems - one can therefore run a 32 bit VM to support such software

 

[numair_noor]

is it good to switch over to linux while studying ccna. ?

 

[horace1]

is it good to switch over to linux while studying ccna. ?

the advantage of using virtual machines is that you have flexibility - you can carry on using your existing system and at the same time experiment with alternatives

 

[harryharry]

yes no doubt but with me its important to run some s/w native

otherwise vm very good