How to Double Boot Linux and Windows
Computer experts have their own opinions on what operating system is best suited for a computer, but many of them prefer to use a double-boot system that loads both Linux and Windows operating systems. A double-boot setup makes it easier for you to operate on two operating systems on the same computer. Here’s how you can set up your computer to run on a double-boot system.
Why Double-Boot?
Used on their own, Microsoft Windows and variants of Linux are effective, efficient operating systems that can accomplish the tasks you require of them (If you want a Linux OS, choose from the Top ten Linux Distros). When used together, though, you can have a powerful, versatile machine that switches between two of the most useful and well-supported operating systems for the PC market.
Multi-booting is a feature where you can install two or more operating systems in your computer, and boot one up during the start-up sequence. The bootloader gives you a list of operating systems that you can load into your computer. Multi-booting provides you with more flexibility and versatility, allowing you to switch between open-source and proprietary platforms with a single reboot.
Things You Need
To enable dual booting between Linux and Windows, you need the following tools:
A computer with Windows already installed on it (preferably Windows XP or Windows Vista)
Third-party disk partitioning utility
Linux installer CD (some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Mandriva, Red Hat, and Sabayon)
Steps
Follow these steps to enable multi-booting on your computer:
Make sure you have enough space on your primary hard disk to load up a new operating system.
Create logical partitions using a third-party disk partitioning utility. You may manually create partitions, but a partitioning utility makes the job easier. (Tips on how to partition a hard drive)
Close all tasks, and restart your computer. Make sure that the Linux installer CD is inside the CD-ROM drive before the computer boots up once again to Windows.
Install Linux on the new logical partition, following the instructions on the screen.
The installer will then lead you to a dialog box prompting you where to install the bootloader. Place the bootloader on your preferred location, and choose the drive from which your computer will list the choices of operating systems after the main boot.
Complete the installation and restart your computer to see if it works.
Multi-booting is convenient for people who can work with two separate operating systems. With these steps, you can multi-boot to Linux or Windows to maximize your choices in computer applications.