Install 2 Operating Systems in 1 System

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and methods of installing two operating systems (OS) on a single computer system. It includes considerations of partitioning, bootloaders, and specific OS combinations, such as Windows and Linux.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants confirm that it is possible to install two operating systems on one system, emphasizing the role of disk partitions and bootloaders.
  • One participant suggests that installing Windows first and then a Linux variant is a common approach, mentioning the use of GRUB or LILO for dual booting.
  • Another participant notes that Windows OSs can function without primary partitions, indicating that logical partitions are sufficient as long as each OS has its own separate partition.
  • Participants provide links to external resources for further guidance on dual-boot setups.
  • There is a lack of clarity regarding which specific operating systems are being discussed, which affects the ability to provide tailored advice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that installing two operating systems is feasible, but there are differing views on the specifics of partitioning and the types of bootloaders used. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for different OS combinations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the unspecified operating systems in question, which may affect the installation process and recommendations. There are also unresolved details regarding the partitioning requirements for different OS types.

suganya
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Hi,

I had a doubt, can we install 2 OS in a single system.
If so tell me how?

Regards,
Suganya

EasyCalculation
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Yeah, what OSs do you have in mind? If you're going to put linux & windows in the same box (which is probably the most common situation) it's probably easiest to 1st put the windows in and then 2nd follow by installing whatever linux variant(s) desire (and setting up the dual boot environment with grub or lilo when installing linux). Can continue to make an "N-OS" - system if want. Some links for this route:

http://susefaq.sourceforge.net/faq/inst_winxp1.html
http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/install-guide/ch-x86-dualboot.html
http://myy.helia.fi/~karte/linux/doc/linux-windows-dual-boot-resing-ntfs.html
http://www.geocities.com/epark/linux/grub-w2k-HOWTO.html
http://www.tldp.org/LDP/LG/current/jayanth2.html
http://www.devhood.com/tutorials/tutorial_details.aspx?tutorial_id=405
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Suganya,

The answer is most certainly yes. The answer lies in disk partitions and the bootloader. An operating system requires its own primary partition. You can partition your disk a number of times, so you can install additional operating systems. Assuming the successful installation of two OS's, your bootloader will show the menu of these OS's when you boot your computer, and will load the corresponding OS.

Bootloaders include the Microsoft Windows bootloaders (both the new one used for Vista and the legacy boot.ini type), GRUB, LILO, Darwin, etc.

Since I don't know which OS's you want to set up (Windows and Linux, Windows and Windows, etc), I can't recommend the perfect guide for you, but a Google search will help you greatly. Search around for a comprehensive dual-booting tutorial. Ask if you have any more questions. Good luck!
 
Windows OS's don't require primary partitions, logical ones will work just fine. You just need a separate parition for each OS.
 

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