Virtualize Productive Linux OS

Hey Guys

I use Kubuntu as my daily driver. I need this system for school, so it should be stable. However, Kubuntu has some bugs (no WIFI after suspend, sometimes audio doesn't work etc.). So I need to reinstall. I was thinking about installing something very stable (like Debian) as base system and then running everything in virtual machines. One for testing new stuff and one where I would work. So, if something breaks, I can either use the other VM or use an old snapshot.
What do you guys think about this idea?
My laptop is an HP Elitebook 850 G1 (I5-4200U, 16GB RAM, AMD Radeon 8750m)

Regards
Florian

I have no wifi after suspend as well on Arch. I tried Debian, Fedora, Arch, Ubuntu, CentOS and they all had the same problem. I don't think you'll be able to get around that issue.

sometimes audio doesn't work

there was a solution to that... here!
Just throw this in /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf

options snd-hda-intel model=auto

That should help. I remember it working on my system at least.


To answer your question, I don't think you should.

Doing this will only add an extra layer of complexity to your system and if anything, make it less stable. There will also be (small, but sometimes noticeable) performance costs. to doing so.

EDIT: How much experience do you have with linux? If you're willing to try another distro, you may find that it's more stable than Kubuntu but might be a little bit more work. Checking out Fedora or Manjaro may be a good idea.

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I don't have those issues, but Kubuntu the last time I used it had some issues, but those were mostly KDE related at the time. If you're interested, I'd recommend trying Ubuntu Minimal and going from there. Ubuntu is built on top of Debian, so there won't be any major differences in the OS, and the repositories aren't much different.

You could try:

sudo service network-manager restart

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That cpu doedn't support VT-d, but it does support VT-x... Hope everything comes out ok for you with that. Have you tried other distros in VM?

Sorry, I actually have the I5-4310U (is has VT-d and VT-x).

I have some experience with linux. I tested various distros in VMs out (Ubuntu, Debian, Manjaro, Fedora, openSuse and the most popular DEs (Gnome3, Mate, KDE, Unity, XFCE, LXDE)). I am sure there is a workaround for this problem, but I want something that just runs, because sometimes I must finish some homework and don't have the time for troubleshooting issues.

What about Gnome Boxes?

Until now I used VirtualBox. But I am definitly going to try this out!

I completely get that. And if you need recommendations for another distro in the future, I've got my opinions on that as well.

As @Miguel_Sensacion mentioned, Gnome Boxes would be your best bet for virtualizing, since it uses KVM, which is more efficient.

EDIT: Since he's going to be doing a majority of work in the VM, virt-manager is more lightweight since it doesn't require all the GNOME deps.

Might be better.

I ran again my Manjaro XFCE VM and really liked it. I am thinking, this could be my daily driver (it's so lightweigt, yet powerful and highly customizable). I have an HP 2013 Ultraslim Dockingstation and it doesn't run with some distros. DP only works with Ubuntu 16.04 and not with anything below. I mainly do programming stuff, SSH to servers, editing documents and surfing the web (I need support for youtube videos because my school has some videos on there).
What would you recommend me as a distro? I am open to everything. How much performance decrease would i experience with virt-manager?

By the way, I am not yet decided if I want to use VMs for work or not. I was hoping to get some opinions on this from you guys.

bump

Your wifi problem was a common issue with many Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distros, it was a bug with NetworkManager.

If you want to stick with a Ubuntu base, I have had some good success with KDE Neon. Think Kubuntu, but the KDE components keep on updating, while the base stays stable. The NetworkManager may affect you here, but I never had an issue with my wifi with Neon.

Manjaro XFCE is a very good distro, and is a nice compromise with the rolling release model and stability. That could do you very nicely.

And XFCE has never, ever broken in my experience.

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There's a newer version of NetworkManager that improves some things, might be worth the try at this point

Thanks for the replies! I think I will try Manjaro to get away from Ubuntu.
But back to my initial question: What do you think about virtualizing my OS?

I'll throw in Fedora as an option as well. It's stable and they aim for leading edge rather than bleeding edge.

A good few people here use Fedora and and good few use Manjaro so there's a good community for both here.

Your virtualization idea is fine. Especially if you have enough resources. And if you need a specific type of setup.

I run a CentOS VM in Fedora as it's something I need but don't need as a daily driver.

I wouldn't do debian and run Fedora in a VM because in reality the base OS is going to end up being your main OS.

Protip: check if the WiFi card is Intel. If it isn't spend the $20 and replace it. You'll thank me later.

Leading edge would be helpful (my Docking Station isn't supported on most older desktops). I will look into Fedora too. What would you recommend? Fedora 24 Workstation? Would you run the base OS topless or with GUI?

I already have an Intel 7260 AC Wireless card. (The HP Elitebook has a really nice setup)

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