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Installing any OS over another can potentially erase all data, programs, and other operating systems on that system if installed incorrectly. Be sure to have all important documents and files backed up somewhere other than the local hard drive before attempting any kind of installation. |
What
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Is Dual Booting?
Dual booting is a way of using two or more different operating systems (OS) on a single computer. Typically each operating system is installed on a separate "partition" on the main hard drive. Hard drives can be partitioned before installation though most installation processes allow for partitioning during the installation.When a hard drive is "partitioned" in this manner, it means that the drive is divided up into different segments of structure and file types that allow the different operating systems to run on it.
Typically when a dual boot computer starts up the user can select which operating system to start into. Some variations do allow one operating system to run 'inside' another and those are covered below., if you need to change operating systems you will have to reboot the computer and switch to the desired system. Some methods of dual booting utilize a process of "virtualization" in order to allow you to run two systems simultaneously, one operating system inside of another. These options will be outlined below.
Also, some operating systems offer alternatives to partitioning and are described below.
Why
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Would I
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Want To Dual Boot?
There are many reasons people choose to dual boot between two or more systems. Some systems offer programs or utilities that others do not. Some people simply prefer the freedom of multiple operating systems or just don't want to choose only one system.You may prefer to use the Mac operating system but need a specific Windows-only program for a course you are taking. You may want to use Windows for access to Office 365 but need to install Linux in order to gain experience using a Unix-like system without having to purchase a second computer. Maybe you are using Linux but there is a particular game you want to play that requires Windows to run. These are only a few examples of the many reasons that you may want or need to dual boot your machine.
How can I set up my computer for Dual Booting?
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It is important to note that things like changing the format (reformatting) of a drive or partition will erase all data, programs, and operating systems. It is always a good idea to have a backup of your data someplace other than your main hard drive. (such as an external hard drive, backup CD/DVDs, or USB flash memory devices.) |
Options For Mac
Bootcamp
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Installing Windows (XP, Vista, or 7) or Linux onto a Macintosh computer is made fairly simple using a program provided by Apple call Bootcamp . The Mac computer needs to have an Intel based Processor to run Windows; you can see if your Mac has an Intel Based processor by choosing About this Mac from the Apple menu.
Once you've verified that your Mac has an Intel Based processor you can continue. You will need an installation disc for the Windows or Linux operating system you wish to install next to your Mac system. (For windows systems you will also need a valid product key.)
- Start up your Mac normally
- Insert the Windows installation disc into the CD/DVD drive
- In Finder go to Applications then Utilities
- Double click Boot Camp Assistant
- Follow the Boot Camp walk through to partition your hard drive. You'll probably want a minimum of 10GB for the Windows partition.
- When finished the Boot Camp Assistant will restart the computer and boot to the installation disc
- Follow the instructions for installing the Windows or Linux operating system just as you would on any other machine. Be sure to select the BOOTCAMP partition to install the new operating system.
- Once Windows has finished installing the computer should reboot
You can now choose between operating systems on your Mac by holding down the option key at start up.
If you ever want to remove the operating system and partition you've created with BootCamp you can open the Boot Camp Assistant and Select Creat or Remove Windows Partition to easily remove the second operating system.has come preinstalled on Macs since Mac OS 10.5 Leopard was released in 2007. It works on most late model Macs and is the simplest way to get started with Dual Booting multiple operating systems. Bootcamp is designed for use with Windows in particular, although it is possible to use a Bootcamp partition for Linux it is not supported. The link below outlines the process for installing Windows using the Boot Camp method.
Boot Camp Assistant User Guide
Virtual Machine Options
Virtual machines allow you to run one operating system "inside of" another. The major advantage to using this method is that it does not require the user to reboot when they want to change the operating system they are using . The disadvantage is that since you are running two operating systems simultaneously your computer's resources are split, there is also an extra piece of software to buy so it is more expensive as well. Below are links to two popular virtualization programs.
Wubi (Ubuntu on a Windows Computer)
Wubi is a program to install Ubuntu that doesn't require you to make any new partitions on your hard drive. It installs just like any other Windows program and can be uninstalled just as easily. When starting up your computer Wubi will give you the option to boot into Ubuntu and doesn't change any settings of your local Windows operating system.
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