Multiple OS

[MadCatChiken]

Is it possible to have 2 operating systems on 1 pc? Because i'm trying to find the Beta copy of Windows Vista which you where able to get. But i don't want to have to wipe my HD so i can install it.

[DruidChiken]

Yes i currently run XPsp2, XP64 and Windows Server as well as Windows98 running in Windows virtual PC.

Its very straight forward to do as long as u have a seperate partition for the new install.

[NemesisChiken]

PartitionMagic (http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=sp&pvid=pm80) comes with a Multi-OS boot utility called BootMagic (go figure). I have been a big fan of PartitionMagic for many years and highly recommend it. You can dynamically re-partition your hard disk in preparation of loading a new OS quite easily.

[MadCatChiken]

Well my comp came with a partitioned HD so yeah cos i want to see if i can find a Vista beta. So how would instal it so its on the other partition and how do you switch between the two OS's? Use that partition magic thing? Ugh is there a free version of this?

[Clepto Chiken]

It is usually a typical install and you pick which partition you want to use for each OS.

When you computer boots up, it will give you the option of choosing an OS

[MoocherChiken]

Here's a free boot manager, I've never used it, so use your best judgement.

http://gag.sourceforge.net/

OR, just Google for "Boot Manager" and sift through those links. I would not recommend anything that mentions it's part of a Unix or Linux distribution.

[NemesisChiken]

agreed, there are many *NIX boot managers and I have used them just fine for flopping between say REDHAT and XP and ME, but unless you decide to grow up and install a real man's OS like Solaris, I would stick to the PC versions

[MadCatChiken]

Solaris? Never heard of that OS.

[NemesisChiken]

Its a flavor of UNIX from SUN Microsystems, INC