Due to more complications with my Windows OS, I am very eager to make the switch to installing MX Linux (which I love) and go from Live CD mode, so to speak, to actually installing it on my SSD.

I had issues with the Linux Mint saying something about video drivers were not installed, however, when I installed MX, in the same Virtual Box, I received no such advisories.

So, my question is, even though on the VB I haven't received any warnings about this or that not being compatible with this or that component, could I use that a barometer for future success when the day comes that I install MX on the SSD?

Thanks

Pen guin

No.
The "barometer" is to test drive the live version from the USB stick on the actual hardware.

If everything works when running 'live', it should also work OK when installed.

Would the same hold true if the distro was running from inside a Virtual Box? (Can't be too cautious...)

Virtualbox simulates hardware, like for example a hard drive, so in that case it's really just a file on the "real" drive, that contains the "real" operating system that Virtualbox itself is running on.

Linux doesn't care about whether you have an SSD drive or a traditional "spinning-platter"/mechanical drive - it's the interface it's connected to that matters. The interface would almost certainly be SATA if it's a desktop computer you have. SATA drives are handled by libata that works with the Linux kernel to communicate with the drive through the SATA interface.

not so. I've ran Live got wifi off the bat, install, where is my wifi??? mostly, and some other fails. But it has been so so long ago, I do not remember every detail.

OP, why do you not set up a dual boot, and if and when you get your MINT tuned up to where you like it, then you can delete windows and absorb that space into Linux.

One reason not for me to do the dual boot is, my computer manufacturer won't support me. And 2, if I ever wanted to go back to Windows, (according to the vids I've seen it would be extremely difficult to do.

Lots of people run a dual boot environment, with no problems, but I think in the end, my computer manufacturer, is just trying to help me avoid a headache.

P.S. I've switched to MX Linux. I haven't had a problem with it, and I understand it much better.

what are you running?
"computer manufacturer won't support me"
Is it still under warranty?

you can create a windows 10 install. if you want windows to be UEFI install, create a GPT partition usb stick, 8GB is good enough size, maybe 4GB. google for create windows 10 usb install and windows has a sight that will create it for you on your laptop/computer. re-install is then attainable.

if you want a MBR install of Windows us mbr partition table usb stick. before creation of install medium.
I've done this.

what are you working with? Hardware make model.

I am running windows 10. Also I have an I 7-7700 OC to 4.8 MHZ.

The make and model is from a boutique computer manufacturer. The motherboard is gigabyte Z270. If that helps. Telephone support is for the life of the product, or as long as I own it.

does that specify that it HAS to be windows as your operating system?
did it come with a Product key anywhere on that thing, and if you use your window system to create a install usb stick I don't think that would matter but I suggest looking in to that part of it.

I do know that windows keeps the key on there systems so (I) one does not have to type in that key any longer to get it to install and be activated.

as the OP does not have anything to do with the Hard ware no longer working due to some type of failure.

I just called them. It turns out I'm totally flexible regarding the OS. He said if I go to a Linux OS instead of taking 3 hours to fix something, it will take 3 days.They'll be able to help me with some things, but not much, only because they are very familiar with the Windows OS, and not so much with Linux, so exactly how much they could help me is in question, only because they just aren't familiar with the OS. (and I'm free to call anytime.)

He also agreed that in theory I could restore the SSD to an earlier time; which I suppose means it may or may not fix the problem. He also thought I was biting off more than I could chew. I told him that's why I'm learning all about Shell commands, and that I'm a member of LQ. (Well not per se.)

My overall impression is, after several conversations with him, he's trying very hard to keep me from having hours or days of frustration, when something does go wrong...and it will. He's seen it happen.

I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand I can't stand the amount of time I have to spend fixing sound issues, mouse issues, and October/November were horrid in that regard. I wasn't expecting another issue until February 2020. The last issue with the computer was 5 months ago...hence February 2020.

So contrast that, against the gentleman's comments, and I'm fit to be tied.

Manufacturers generally only support what came with the computer. So if you have windows installed at the factory and then install some other OS (Linux or whatever) they are not going to help you if you have problems with your other OS. I'm sure the same holds true if you buy a computer with a pre-installed Ubuntu or some other Linux. If you then put windows or another OS on it, you are on your own. If it's a hardware problem the burden of proof will probably be on the user. Best read the warranty in detail.

If you did have a Linux installed and had problems and needed help from the manufacturer, you could remove any traces of Linux before turning the computer over to them by formatting your Linux partitions (rendering them basically useless) with a windows filesystem and if you have EFI, remove the Linux entry. If you don't know how to do that, best stick with VirtualBox or install to a usb or external drive but that can lead to complications too if you don't understand it.

I suppose the best compromise, to learn on the VB, at least until I have some experience under my belt. A side benefit of going that route, it leaves my Win10 OS intact, and safe from harm.

What do you think? Thoughts? Suggestions?

"running windows 10. Also I have an I 7-7700 OC"

If you have enough ram then a virtual machine program should be fantastic. A VM's virtual hardware is not fully native host (yet). Your system should run most VM programs quite well. Some of the i7's were made for virtualization but all are modern enough to run a VM. Just be sure to check bios setting for and VM tech to b enabled.

I run VM's all the time at work and at home.