Installing and using multiple operating systems on your computer
Be Careful
This page is under construction and is incomplete.
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.
Some operating systems do offer alternatives to partitioning and are described below.
Why would I want to Dual Boot?
How can I set up my computer for Dual Booting?
Wubi (Ubuntu 10.04 installer)
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 Machine
Sources and Relevant Links
Wubi
Install Linux from a USB drive
DistroWatch
Linux Distributions
Live (bootable) Linux CDs