I'd say keep Windows. You paid for it, even if the cost was bundled in with the cost of the computer. And if I've learnt anything over the years, it's that the thing you get rid of is the thing you find yourself needing the very next week!

I agree that keeping windows may be a good choice now and later.

You can easily install most good linux distro's to a 8G flash drive as a real install. They work pretty good. You may not even notice it is running from a flash drive.

Only you can determine what computer (or computers) and software you need for your schooling. (And you would of course be rather an idiot to do anything to a computer that might make it un-useful to you, especially during the school year.)

Virtualization is very nice. Definitely nicer, IMHO, than dual-booting. (USB/Firewire external disk drives are cheap these days...) But you know, maybe there's room in your book-bag for two laptops.

Neither "the computer," nor "the operating system," is the Cart here. Both of them are the Horse. Let them pull the load, but don't let them set the direction.

Hi,

One thing that should be mentioned is the standards for each school. Each will provide a standard for what is required to be used within a course of study. Sometimes the school will require the purchase of equipment and software through student programs at a reduced rate or discount that most regular users would envy.

So to the OP: be sure to check with the University or College for what is required for use within the program/curriculum.

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Thanks for all the input guys! I figured I'd keep Windows since as stated by many people here, I might need it in the long run. I also thought that if I'd want to reclaim space, then I'd just shrink my C: partition (but before that I need to backup xD).

Thanks again guys!