I've got a new Windows 10 laptop which I want to use Linux on. Although I haven't finally chosen a distribution I'm interested in Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based ones. Despite hours of internet search regarding this topic I still have some questions left.
The new laptop:
- Dell Inspiron 14 Model 7400
- Windows 10 included, but not set up yet
- i7 processor
- Nvidia GeForce MX350
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD
Here's what I'd like to know:
If I set up a dual-boot:
- Is it correct that Windows and Linux are able to access each other's files if both partitions are NTFS?
- Is it correct that the Linux partition's size limits the space available for Linux applications?
- How much space does Windows need at minimum? What partition sizes would you recommend on my 1TB SSD? (I tend to give Linux more space and keep Windows only as a fallback.)
If I install only Linux:
- Do you think the laptop's built-in fingerprint sensor is supported by Linux? (I mean: How likely is that? I didn't find anything specific online.)
- (If I don't like Linux: Will I be able to re-install Windows 10 using the product key from the pre-installed Windows 10? This Microsoft Community thread suggests so: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/can-i-use-the-product-key-of-pre-installed-windows/f1d82f86-200d-47e5-8f8e-ba32e549b0b2)