| Why would anyone want to run 2 or more operating | | | | rights are necessary to install Virtualization software, |
| systems on 1 machine? | | | | no direct access to the computer hardware |
| 1. To be able to do more using 2 different operating | | | | 3) Live CD has been around for a while and is a good |
| systems? | | | | way of starting another operating system without |
| 2. To be able to work around the restrictions | | | | any intrusion on the one preinstalled. |
| imposed by the IT department? | | | | Advantages: every PC has a CD (DVD) - ROM and |
| 3. To keep private data private? | | | | booting from it is usually allowed |
| Yes all that and probably more reasons that will allow | | | | Disadvantages: while using the operating system if |
| mobile workers to unlock the potential of the | | | | any data needs to be saved - need write access to |
| machine that they carry around with them while on | | | | the local hard drive on the laptop, burning data back |
| the move. | | | | onto the CD/DVD is not possible. |
| Whatever the reason you probably have one since | | | | 4) Which brings us to the topic of this article: booting |
| you are still reading this. | | | | from USB |
| I am going to concentrate on the possible ways of | | | | Now this is relatively new and has been used by |
| doing just that: running another operating system on | | | | geeks mainly so far but there is no reason why this |
| top of the one that has been preinstalled on your PC. | | | | should not become main stream. |
| There are at least 4 ways of doing that and each | | | | Advantages: full access to bare metal, no footprint |
| has its advantages and disadvantages. So here is the | | | | on the preinstalled operating system, personal data |
| list: | | | | can be stored directly on booting media (USB key), |
| - Dual boot | | | | data can be encrypted to protect against possible |
| - Virtual Machine | | | | loss of the media |
| - Live CD | | | | Disadvantages: IT can disable USB boot function, a |
| - Boot from a USB key or another USB media | | | | small item such as a USB key can be easily lost or |
| 1) Dual Boot is probably the most "ancient" practice | | | | misplaced, but with the current prices on these the |
| of them all. | | | | loss is not really a big deal and the data should be |
| Advantages: provides full access to bare metal | | | | regularly backed up in a safe place and possibly |
| Disadvantages: set up may be tricky, requires | | | | encrypted for security. |
| repartitioning of the local HD which goes against the | | | | It is not absolutely necessary to boot into another |
| IT department policies | | | | operating system for personal data protection. |
| 2) Virtual Machine is one of the latest and hottest | | | | There is a possibility to run applications from USB |
| technologies. | | | | flash media such as a Web Browser and an e-mail |
| Advantages: can run more than 2 operating systems | | | | client, this way all the browsing history, e-mails and |
| at the same time | | | | other personal data stays on the key and will not be |
| Disadvantages: in a locked down environment admin | | | | accessible to your IT department. |