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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 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. 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.
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Crossover is a commercial application of Wine made by a company called Codeweavers designed to simplify the process of using Wine. It runs like an application and in the event you need help offers support for a fee if you need help. Of the paid options, Crossover is the least expensive. Additionally they also offer versions specifically designed for use on Linux in the event you would like to run Windows programs on your Linux machine.
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is an open source virtualization program offered by Oracle. It will virtualize multiple OSes on Windows, Mac, and Linux. In addition to virtualizing an OS, VirtualBox also let's you virtualize hardware. This means that if you want to run an older version of an OS that is not supported by your current hardware, you can virtualize the older hardware to run the OS.
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VirtualBox is an advanced piece of software designed for technology professionals such as Software Developers and Information Security Professionals. It has a steep learning curve, if you are setting up multiple OSes for the first time consider one of the other methods first. |
Options for Windows Machines
Manually Partition and Install Multiple Operating Systems
Similar to Mac, you You can use tools built in to Linux or Windows installers to reformat and repartion a hard drive. This has to be done from an install cd or USB install image, it cannot be done on the drive you are attempting to format. Both a Windows Install disk and most Linux Install ISO's contain tools to format a drive as part of the installation of the Operating System. Check the documentation for your OS install to learn how to do this.
Workstation Pro
Workstation Pro is a product from VMware which allows you to run multiple Operating Systems inside of a Windows (or Linux) system using virtualization. It is designed for use by technology professionals such as Developers and Security Researchers and as such is a fairly advanced program. This software is available for a fee.
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is an open source virtualization program offered by Oracle. It will virtualize multiple OSes on Windows, Mac, and Linux. In addition to virtualizing an OS, VirtualBox also let's you virtualize hardware. This means that if you want to run an older version of an OS that is not supported by your current hardware, you can virtualize the older hardware to run the OS.
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VirtualBox is an advanced piece of software designed for technology professionals such as Software Developers and Information Security Professionals. It has a steep learning curve, if you are setting up multiple OSes for the first time consider one of the other methods first. |
Link to Ubunui Download
VMware Website Link
Install Linux from a USB drive
Link to DistroWatch
Linux Distributions
Live (bootable) Linux CDs
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