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Installing and using multiple operating systems on your computer

Warning

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. Hard drives can be partitioned before installation though most installation processes allow for partitioning during the installation.

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.

Also, some operating systems offer alternatives to partitioning and are described below.

Why would I 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.

How can I set up my computer for Dual Booting?

Depending on your computer and the operating systems you wish to use there are different approaches for setting up a computer with multiple operating systems.

Be Careful

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.

Bootcamp (Windows/Linux on a Mac)

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.

About this Mac

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.)

  1. Start up your Mac normally
  2. Insert the Windows installation disc into the CD/DVD drive
  3. In Finder go to Applications then Utilities
  4. Double click Boot Camp Assistant
  5. Follow the Boot Camp walk through to partition your hard drive. You'll probably want a minimum of 10GB for the Windows partition.
  6. When finished the Boot Camp Assistant will restart the computer and boot to the installation disc
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

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.

Handy Hint

Wubi is a great place to start for Windows users who want to try out Ubuntu/Linux.

Virtual Machines (VMware)

Virtual Machines are programs that allow you to run an operating system as a program inside of your main operating system. VMware is a common parent company that provides Virtual Machine programs for both Mac and Windows computers.  You can find VMware here

Sources and Relevant Links

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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