4 OS On One Computer whats the easiest way?

[Grafitti 0]

I'm interested in loading Linux (ubuntu), XP, Vista and Tiger on my computer. I know each of the systems work. but how do i install them all so that i can easily choose which OS to boot to when starting the computer. I've heard of grub bootloader, but frankly, i find the linux terminal and code out of my range. is there also a sequence i should follow for installation order?

[xboxrulz1405241485 0]

I seriously recommend getting VMWare. If not, just have 2 hard drive that u can partition it with.xboxrulz

[Grafitti 0]

I'm not really interested in VMware, as apparently it's slower. I don't have a problem with hard drives --- 4 of them in my computer.

[miCRoSCoPiC^eaRthLinG 0]

You can use one of the Free Boot Managers like XOSL or GAG. Both are pretty lightweight (approx. 500KB) and provide you with GUIs during booting.

 

Adding new partitions/drives to boot from is very easy in both. I've used XOSL myself... so I can highly recommend it. But going through the features list of GAG, I can say it's no less.

[Grafitti 0]

You can use one of the Free Boot Managers like XOSL or GAG. Both are pretty lightweight (approx. 500KB) and provide you with GUIs during booting.

 

Adding new partitions/drives to boot from is very easy in both. I've used XOSL myself... so I can highly recommend it. But going through the features list of GAG, I can say it's no less.

 

Which one is easier for someone with no skills in command line-systems? I notice that i need to make a dedicated partition for XOSL. DO i need to do the same for GAG or does it just need to be installed. i can't find a FAQ for GAG.

[miCRoSCoPiC^eaRthLinG 0]

None of them involve command lines so you should be fine with both. AFAIK, XOSL will have to be installed in a dedicated partition or but GAG can be put somewhere close to the boot record - the option is given to you during installation.

[Grafitti 0]

Thanks!

[issdiscovery04 0]

For running virtual Os's, Parallels processes faster than VMware and Parallels integrates directly into your system hardware unlike VMware

[rockershive 0]

I am currently running 4 operating systems in my AMD machine. It's really great. My HD is only 80Gb. I'm planning to add another. I call it a NATIVE-TRUE multi-booting 'cause I don't use any virtualization applications such as VMware, etc.

[thesalmonator 0]

I tried running several operating systems using VMware, and then using MS Virtual PC, and it not only slowed down my whole pc, but the virtual pc's took at least 10 mins to fully boot. I'm looking at running more than one OS on the same hard drive, but i'm not willing to try and partition my drive without a good program and tutorial. (Because I would like to use a Linux OS, but I would still need windows for if something wasn't compatible with Linux).

[Doc.h0llyw00d 0]

Fellas, a note About VMWare:
VMWare is a powerful tool, but virtualizing multiple machines from a home PC is undoubtedly beyond most personal computer's abilities. A personal computer can probably run two VMWare machines if it's a powerful computer, my laptop runs one Virtual just fine. VMWare is really intended for multiple instance operation on server (in which case one server can become ten) systems, however, this isn't really something you could achieve on a home or personal computer.
If you have a new OS you'd like to test out, I would absolutely suggest getting a VMWare distribution of it first, as this is an easy way to see if you actually want to install the OS.

Parallel is a decent option, but running four different OS's is still going to be taxing on system resources, regardless of how its being done, on top of that If I were going to run multiple OS's I'd rather have them installed directly to my computer's hardware on a clean system (or fresh system at least) rather than try to integrate each one successively on top of the others. At least this way I'd be able to troubleshoot the installations more effectively if I had to.

I'm looking at running more than one OS on the same hard drive, but i'm not willing to try and partition my drive without a good program and tutorial. (Because I would like to use a Linux OS, but I would still need windows for if something wasn't compatible with Linux).

Get partition magic, its cheap and/or you can probably find it free online. Google a partitioning tutorial using whatever phraseology you want, though I'd recommend at least browsing the Microsoft support library for some info. I have had some issues with Partition Magic not holding partitions as well as other programs, however I would suggest that it's a common, well supported and well documented option, especially if you are concerned that you will need help troubleshooting your installation.

As far as Linux goes, I would suggest Ubuntu or OpenSUSE, I would suggest Enterprise/Not-Free SUSE over Enterprise Ubuntu if you are going to actually pay for software though, some really neat usability features are included in the paid versions of Linux, makes it much more of a viable personal OS.

Regards,
the Doc.

[*TBC*Killer 0]

Since much people told you how to make the particions i will tell how to manage the boots so here it is...
I use windows XP and Vista and it works perfectly this program i will tell you right now
In my opinion EasyBCD is what you need for your problem;
What is EasyBCD?
Taked From the Webpage
EasyBCD is NeoSmart Technologies' multiple award-winning answer to tweaking the new Windows Vista bootloader. With EasyBCD, almost anything is possible. Setting up and configuring Windows boot entries is simple, and there is no easier way to quickly boot right into Linux, Mac OS X, or BSD straight from the Windows Vista bootloader - on the fly, no expert knowledge needed!

EasyBCD is geared for users of all kinds. Whether you just want to add an entry to your old XP partition or want to create a duplicate for testing purposes; if you're interested in debugging the Windows Kernel or septuple-booting your seven test operating systems, EasyBCD is the key.
Download Here

Edited June 4, 2009 by TBCKiller (see edit history)

[xboxrulz1405241485 0]

Since much people told you how to make the particions i will tell how to manage the boots so here it is...

I use windows XP and Vista and it works perfectly this program i will tell you right now

In my opinion EasyBCD is what you need for your problem;

What is EasyBCD?

Taked From the Webpage

EasyBCD is NeoSmart Technologies' multiple award-winning answer to tweaking the new Windows Vista bootloader. With EasyBCD, almost anything is possible. Setting up and configuring Windows boot entries is simple, and there is no easier way to quickly boot right into Linux, Mac OS X, or BSD straight from the Windows Vista bootloader - on the fly, no expert knowledge needed!

 

EasyBCD is geared for users of all kinds. Whether you just want to add an entry to your old XP partition or want to create a duplicate for testing purposes; if you're interested in debugging the Windows Kernel or septuple-booting your seven test operating systems, EasyBCD is the key.

Download Here

 

For a massive multiboot set up, I'd rather use GRUB, it's much easier to maintain than the Vista BCD bootloader.

 

xboxrulz

[dougeg 0]

Virtual PC better

[Xarex 1]

I did something like this..wasn't that I just had 4 operating systems on my computer, but I ran them all at once too. I was able to do it with VMWare. I had Spaces/Expose set up so i could scroll from screen to screen and on each screen was a different OS.My computer was slowed down a bit, but it was fun to do. And although I only showed a few people, it was more just to get attention and looks which lasted for about a 5 minute conversation and then never spoken about again.But I could definitely see a use for keeping one open. I do it with Mac & Windows. Occasionally I'd add another and have Linux running as well. Drains battery like crazy but if your plugged into a source, there's no worries. I guess its really just useful if you are trying to access a certain program that runs and pertains to that OS only. Fun times though!