If you want to run more than one operating system on your PC, you have two main options: virtualization and dual booting. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. In this article, we will explain what virtualization and dual booting are, how they work, and when to use each one.
What is virtualization?
Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create a virtual environment within your primary operating system, where you can run another operating system as if it were a separate computer. This virtual computer is called a virtual machine (VM), and it has its own resources such as CPU, memory, storage, and network connection.
To create and run a virtual machine, you need a software called a hypervisor , which acts as an intermediary between the host operating system and the guest operating system. The hypervisor allocates the resources from the host to the guest, and emulates the hardware devices that the guest needs.
There are two types of hypervisors:
Type 1 or bare metal hypervisors run directly on the hardware, without a host operating system. They are faster and more secure than type 2 hypervisors, but they require specific hardware compatibility. Examples of type 1 hypervisors are Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix Xen Server.
Type 2 or hosted hypervisors run on top of a host operating system, like an application. They are easier to install and use than type 1 hypervisors, but they have lower performance and security. Examples of type 2 hypervisors are VMWare Workstation and VirtualBox.
What is dual booting?
Dual booting is a process of installing two or more operating systems on different partitions or disks of the same PC, and choosing which one to boot at startup. Each operating system has its own bootloader, which is a program that loads the operating system into memory.
To set up a dual boot system, you need to partition your disk into separate volumes for each operating system, and install them in the order of their bootloader priority. For example, if you want to dual boot Windows and Linux, you need to install Windows first, then Linux. This is because Windows bootloader will overwrite Linux bootloader if installed later.
When you turn on your PC, you will see a menu that lets you select which operating system to boot. You can also change the default operating system and the timeout for the menu in the bootloader settings.
Pros and cons of virtualization vs dual booting
Both virtualization and dual booting have their pros and cons, depending on your use case. Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing between them:
Performance
Dual booting offers better performance than virtualization, because each operating system runs natively on the hardware, without any emulation overhead. Virtualization reduces the performance of both the host and the guest operating systems, because they have to share the resources of the same hardware. However, the performance gap between virtualization and dual booting depends on the type of hypervisor, the hardware configuration, and the resource intensity of the tasks.
Convenience
Virtualization offers more convenience than dual booting, because you can switch between multiple operating systems without rebooting your PC. You can also run multiple operating systems simultaneously on different monitors or windows. Dual booting requires you to reboot your PC every time you want to change the operating system, which can be time-consuming and disruptive.
Isolation
Virtualization offers better isolation than dual booting, because each virtual machine is separated from the host and other guests by the hypervisor. This means that if one operating system crashes or gets infected by malware, it won’t affect the others. You can also take snapshots of your virtual machines, which allow you to restore them to a previous state in case of any problems. Dual booting offers less isolation than virtualization, because each operating system has direct access to the hardware and can potentially overwrite or damage the data of another operating system.
Compatibility
Dual booting offers better compatibility than virtualization, because each operating system can use all the features and functions of the hardware devices without any limitations. Virtualization may have some compatibility issues with certain hardware devices or drivers that are not supported by the hypervisor or the guest operating system.
When to use virtualization vs dual booting?
The choice between virtualization and dual booting depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some general guidelines for when to use each method:
Use virtualization if you:
- Have a powerful PC that can handle multiple operating systems at once
- Need to switch between operating systems frequently and easily
- Want to isolate your operating systems for security or testing purposes
- Don’t need to run resource-intensive applications or games
- Use dual booting if you:
- Have a low-end PC that can’t handle virtualization well
- Need to run each operating system at its full potential
- Don’t mind rebooting your PC to change the operating system
- Want to run resource-intensive applications or games
Conclusion
Virtualization and dual booting are two ways to run multiple operating systems on one PC. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your performance, convenience, isolation, and compatibility needs. You can choose the best method for you based on your personal preferences and use case.
Alternatively, you can also use both methods on the same PC, for example, by dual booting Windows and Linux, and then running a virtual machine inside one of them. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of both methods.