this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2025
59 points (87.3% liked)

Linux

6162 readers
136 users here now

A community for everything relating to the GNU/Linux operating system

Also check out:

Original icon base courtesy of lewing@isc.tamu.edu and The GIMP

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Ategon@programming.dev
anzo@programming.dev
dwraf_of_ignorance@programming.dev
59
How to minimize pain of Windows in work environment? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by someacnt@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@programming.dev
77 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Hello all! I began working today, where the work is closely related to programming. Despite this, the work computer is set up as Windows (eww). I want to look for work-arounds, as installing linux on a work machine is a no-go.

I wonder, what is the way to minimize pain from having to use windows? Either that, or a way to maximize work done on linux-like stuffs. A linux server is given for us, and I think I can install WSL. Any recommendations on this setup?

Especially, I miss the virtual desktop feature, is there any way to use it? Is there a way I can run compositor through WSL? Also, should I install Pop! OS for the feature, or is it available on e.g. Ubuntu (default WSL)?

Sorry to ask a non-exclusively-linux question, but I think, hopefully, many linux people have experience to give me pointers what to do with a windows work environment.

EDIT: The Windows is Windows 10.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] BetterDev@programming.dev 5 points 1 day ago

I've cracked this code (at least for me)

Use Hyper-V to create a workspace VM, using your favorite OS.

Keep all business related things on the host:

  • email
  • instant mesenger
  • meeting software
  • MDM
  • etc

Put all dev related thing in VM

  • docker
  • ide/text editor
  • dev tools

Set up "enhanced sessions" with

  • shared drives
  • clipboard integration
  • automatic monitor resizing

It isn't easy, and a lot of the sotware used for deep integration is archived but it still works. But since Hyper-V is integrated with the windows kernel, you can achieve near-metal performance with minimal tweaking.

Best part? New laptop? Just export the VM onto it, you lose nothing.

This even works in Windows 11.

I have played the cat and mouse game of Docker for windows and WSL and been dissapointed time and time again. No more.

Free yourself. Escape Windows development pain. Carve out a palace of your own design from within the jail provided you, and make it the best dev environment for you.