Can linux use files on windows partition (dual boot)?

[omega3]

Hi,

I have win10 and want to try a dual boot. Now, if you shrink a volume to create a partition for linux, do you have the give it enough space for the files you will create using linux or can linux (i was thinking mint mate) also write and read files on the windows partition? I'm new to this so how does this work? I see alot of time in vids people only shrink like 20GB so should this be more if you gonna create large files under linux?

Second, is Mint Mate a good choice? I want something not too different from windows as a beginner with all video drivers installed.

Finally, is Mint or any other linux distro safe for online banking or do you need anti-virus software and a firewall?

Thanks!

 

[Elixer]

Not a good idea to use a windows file system for storage of linux files.
I would say, make a 30GB partition, and a 1GB swap partition, and that should be plenty for the OS and lots of other stuff.

Mint is fine.
I would say you always need a firewall, no matter what OS you have, and as for AV software, never had a need for it, but, that is up to you.

Another option is to use a VM, and install linux on that, that works as well.