Begrudgingly going back to Windows.

[irv]

I truly can understand anyone who uses a computer professional needing windows OS, so no one will every say you are wrong. When I was in the work force I needed windows, but now I am retired and windows free. Ever since I installed a SSD in my laptop I only run Ubuntu linux on it. I do have two other HD for my laptop and one of them has windows 7 on it, but I haven't had it in the laptop for almost a year now. I keep it around just in case I would need windows for some reason.
Even though you are using windows again, keep in touch on the forum. I know I would because I still learn a lot from others out here.
The main reason I moved away from windows was viruses and malware; slow downs and crashes. Always having to do some clean ups and reloads. This, if anything will bring you back to Linux. Like what was already said, there is always the dual boot, which I did for many a year.

[Gotti]

Inkscape, Gimp, Blender for instance - are all very powerful tools.
If you need Adobe fine - enjoy Windows.

I'll give you blender...I use that on Windows I like it so much. And I admitted that Gimp and Inkscape aren't terrible...but I think anyone that's used both the Adobe Suite and the open source alternatives will give the nod to Adobe.

And I used to dual boot, and considered doing it again, but last time I did it I found my linux partition was left untouched for the most part, as I usually hop on the computer with a purpose in mind, that purpose usually being work or play.

I still may tho, just in case I wannah play with some scripts or just keep on top of whats going on with Ubuntu.

[irv]

Gotti, Another thing to think about. Some people like to just play around with Linux and use Windows for everyday use. That sound like what you do. Pickup an older PC and Install Linux on it to just play around with when you want. As an old guy, I still need my toys to play around with. I just pay more for my toys now.

[Tamlynmac]

Gotti
And I used to dual boot, and considered doing it again, but last time I did it I found my linux partition was left untouched for the most part

Which is likely what will happen again. As you indicated your purpose is to perform a task(s) and if the majority of tasks are Windows based, you'll probably use Windows for all tasks.

Maintaining a Linux distro on your PC knowing that it's not likely to get used (or rarely), IMHO makes little sense. Keeping in mind, that it can be used from a stick or usb drive (boot sequence permitting) - should one have the inclination.

I'm a firm believer in using what works for you. Enjoy.

Just my $0.02

[mastablasta]

i don't use photoshop as i am not professional photo editor. i mean people made great, iconic photos when there was no photoshop.

but i would miss games. not that i can run the latest ones on my old mashcine... most old ones i like don't work in linux. some do (liko diablo2). but most don't. we'll see hwo it goes with steam and all. windows 8 did a lot to eat into developers profits, so lets see how they will react.

[Rebelli0us]

There's a better option than dual-booting, you can run both OSes simultaneously. I run Windows in Virtual Box and I can use all my favorite Windows apps without rebooting.

[orb9220]

There's a better option than dual-booting, you can run both OSes simultaneously. I run Windows in Virtual Box and I can use all my favorite Windows apps without rebooting.

I don't consider that a Better option. As if your linux side gets Borked then you have nothing to boot until resolved. For many that means not even being able to get to their bookmarks of helpful recovery and forum sign-ins. As Live CD won't have your linux bookmarks setup for finding the answer to fix linux.

Much faster to boot to win side with sync'ed bookmarks and in the forums asking and finding answers while the Live CD is still booting up.
.

[irv]

I don't consider that a Better option. As if your linux side gets Borked then you have nothing to boot until resolved. For many that means not even being able to get to their bookmarks of helpful recovery and forum sign-ins. As Live CD won't have your linux bookmarks setup for finding the answer to fix linux.

Much faster to boot to win side with sync'ed bookmarks and in the forums asking and finding answers while the Live CD is still booting up.
.

I agree, I have tried Virtualbox and things just did not run well. Very slow and many issues. Right now I am windows free, but if I really needed windows I would dual boot. Using a SSD boot time is very fast. About 20 to 30 seconds. And this is on a older slower laptop.
Maybe if you have a super fast computer it might work, but not on my system.

[Rebelli0us]

I don't consider that a Better option. As if your linux side gets Borked then you have nothing to boot until resolved. For many that means not even being able to get to their bookmarks of helpful recovery and forum sign-ins. As Live CD won't have your linux bookmarks setup for finding the answer to fix linux.

Much faster to boot to win side with sync'ed bookmarks and in the forums asking and finding answers while the Live CD is still booting up.
.

You can copy a VM to any machine and run it. You can even boot Linux from USB and run the stranded VM on your "borked" OS.

Here's a screenshot of my desktop, running Linux, Win2k and Windows 7 simultaneously, it beats the heck out of rebooting.

[haqking]

I don't consider that a Better option. As if your linux side gets Borked then you have nothing to boot until resolved. For many that means not even being able to get to their bookmarks of helpful recovery and forum sign-ins. As Live CD won't have your linux bookmarks setup for finding the answer to fix linux.

Much faster to boot to win side with sync'ed bookmarks and in the forums asking and finding answers while the Live CD is still booting up.
.

For others reading it is very easy to have your bookmarks available anywhere.

https://www.xmarks.com/

This is one of many that does the same job.