I suggest installing Ubuntu alongside Windows using the Dual Boot method (the first option) for this course.
However, this may be risky.
Therefore, we provide information also for an easier way and let you to choose one of the options below.
Before starting, if you have already installed Ubuntu on your computer, please continue with the next topic.
Please note that the Ubuntu version is not that important for our case unless you have a 20.04 LTS or a newer version.
But I recommend you to
install 22.04 LTS if you have not already installed,
Installing Ubuntu alongside your Windows installation using the Dual Boot method is highly recommended for CFD studies.
This setup allows you to choose between operating systems at boot (when you start your system), offering flexibility for various applications.
Advantages:
Performance: Direct access to your computer's hardware, offering better performance for CFD applications.
System Resources: Full utilization of system resources such as CPU and GPU, essential for computational tasks.
File System Integration: Easy access to files across both operating systems, facilitating data transfer and management.
Cost-effective: No need for additional software or licenses to run Ubuntu.
Disadvantages:
Partition Risks: Potential risk of data loss during partitioning if not done correctly.
System Restarts: Requires restarting the computer to switch between operating systems.
Hardware Compatibility: Potential issues with hardware compatibility, especially with newer or very specific hardware.
Space Management: Requires careful partitioning and space management to ensure both operating systems have enough space.
You need at least 50 GB of partitioned space on your computer for the Ubuntu installation.
Considering you also need to install OpenFOAM, ParaView, FreeCAD, Gmsh, and LaTeX, it's better to allocate at 70 GB for the Ubuntu partition.
Option 2: Install Ubuntu Using VMware as a Virtual Machine on Windows
You can install Ubuntu by following one of the videos below.
Installing Ubuntu as a virtual machine using VMware on Windows is a simpler method for running CFD studies. However, due to the significant hardware resources required for parallel processing in OpenFOAM, this method is not recommended for intensive computational tasks.
Advantages:
Ease of Setup: Straightforward installation process without the need to partition your drive.
Isolation: Keeps your main operating system secure as the virtual machine is isolated from the host system.
Snapshot Feature: Allows you to take snapshots and easily restore your VM to a previous state.
Test Environment: Ideal for testing applications or settings without affecting the host OS.
Disadvantages:
Limited Hardware Access: Direct access to certain hardware features (e.g., GPU) may be restricted or less efficient.
Resource Intensive: Shares hardware resources with the host system, which can limit performance.
Complex Configuration: Requires configuration of virtual hardware and might need adjustments for optimal performance.
Storage Space: Virtual machines can consume a significant amount of disk space.
I suggest you choose at least 50 GB of space for the virtual machine, plus an additional 20 GB if you plan to use it for CFD applications, totaling 70 GB.