Hello all,

Before I ask my question, I understand I am in a linux forum and most likely everyone answer will be Linux over windows, but I hope whoever answers has an appreciation for both OS.

At work and at home I mostly use Windows 7 and Server 2008. I am working on a lot of security stuff like penetration testing. I have a workstation I build (2TB HD, 12GB RAM, Quad AMD Processor…) that I use for testing. The workstation had server 2008 and I was using Hyper-V to host my labs. There were some issues and I wiped and installed Windows 7 with VirtualBox for my labs. I like this setup better.

Most of my testing are tested using Linux like BackTrack but also use it to test new products and use it when I get certified in Microsoft products. I am familiar with Linux but not as much as I would like to be.

So, to my question/s.
Should I keep windows 7 as my host for my labs and Install Ubuntu as a virtual and get familiar with Linux or should I install Ubuntu and have Ubuntu host my virtual labs?

Please feel free to give other options. I just really need to get my labs setup so I can start testing and prep for my next certifications and at the same time get better at using Linux.

Thanks!

when i was in college, i worked in the computer lab. we had gcc, visual c studio, system view, labview, matlab, ... so we dual booted fedora/ win-xp.

if you are comfortable with windows (and you got the money) then stick with it. if you can be more productive with linux then you should learn to use that.

atkol29a,

Found your post by search and while I'm not a fan of Windows(specially ver8) I have to keep up with it because right now it pays the bills.

But I'm with schneidz on this, in the end if it works for you use it.

My philosophy is to be cross trained in what ever is in use to make me marketable, got this attitude from the military and it has not let me down yet.

Hope whatever you choose it works out for you.