thisisbutaname

Yes, you can run Linux in a VM.

But also: you should be able to access your Windows partition from Linux, as it supports NTFS and FAT filesystems, and view the files there.

What I do is I have one partition with Windows, one with Linux, and a third one (with an NTFS file system) for the files I need to access from both.

Windows licenses AFAIK are already rarely bought on their own. The vast majority of users get one by having it bundled to a new device they purchase.

I was thinking about the technical details and didn’t stop to consider the implications, nice answer.

Also unexpected lost in space reference.

I don’t know how much the windows installer lets you choose regarding partitions, but assuming you can and given my probably dated knowledge still applies:

You’ll have to install windows to it’s partition and then force a boot into Linux from the BIOS to reinstall grub, and then you’ll be able to choose your starting system.

It’s not what you’re looking for, but I think in this context Jamendo deserves a mention.

I found lots of great songs and artists there that I listen to daily.

Terminator is the one I’ve been using for a while