Dual Boot

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I was wondering, how risky is it if I add another OS to my hard drive, I know I have to erase my hard drive, which I plan to back everything up on an external hard drive, and partition it.

I have a few questions.

1. How risky is this, damaging wise.
2. Can I only backup data, opposed to everything plus OSX.
3. How do I format and partiton, I know disk utility, but need some help.
4. Which OS gets installed first.
5. Then how would I switch between operating systems.

I am dual booting Ubuntu 7.10.


Thanks.
 
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1. Don't partition the main drive. Do this and you will have to reinstall OS X.
2. Just copy the user folder contents which will include Documents, Pictures and such folders. Use .Mac for backing up bookmarks and such (60 day trial available)
3. If you are using the main system disk, then you will have to boot from the install DVD by pressing C while booting.
If not, then it's pretty simple. Select the drive you want to partition in the left pane, and then select the partition tab. Then specify file sizes, file systems and partition.
4. Install OS X first, and then the rest.
5. While booting hold "Option" key to select the drive to boot from.
6. Please do take a second opinion and don't go by my borked intelligence...
 
OP
Teh_Derek
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OK.
Is there a virtual machine program that can work, just as well?
Maybe a parallel program or something.




Thanks.
 
Joined
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MB White 160GB, 2GB RAM,
oh yes... lots of VMs available.... vmware fusion, parallels, virtual box (this one supports only 32-bit OSs on MAC currently). I personally prefer VMF... running rock solid so far.
 

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