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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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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. An important thing to know about these programs is that they require a separate purchase of Windows in addition to your purchase of their software. Neither piece of software will work unless you have a license to install Windows. Oracle also has a product called Virtual Box
Manually Partition and Install Multiple Operating Systems
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Wine is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows software within a UNIX system, e.g. MacOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions. Wine is a free open source program that can be installed and run a large and ever growing amount of Windows software. It requires a good degree of technical knowledge but is 100% free.
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.
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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Options for Windows Machines
Manually Partition and Install Multiple Operating Systems
Similar to Mac, 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.
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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