Easier to have two hard drives or one for install?

cylack · #1 03-17-2009, 03:36 AM

I'm in the planning stages on my OSX86 install for an i7 system. Unfortunately I just sold my MacBook Pro so don't have access to a Mac during the install. I would like to setup a dual boot system of Vista 64 and Leopard. Would it be easier for me to have one hard drive and make a partition or two separate hard drives? I will rarely use Vista.Thanks.

theagent · #2 03-17-2009, 04:06 AM

I like booting from 2 different drives. it's safer...there's no worrying about complications from either OS. Or... if you don't run Vista that often, just want it there for things like keygens and various minor programs, you could run vmware. Vmware Fusion is pretty nice. I use it for XP... I also have Windows 7 on my main HD.

esz · #3 03-22-2009, 10:56 AM

Two drives and as boot manager the F8 option in your Bios is safest for you.

Taisto · #4 03-22-2009, 12:20 PM

If you`re going to use Vista and Leo ( iPC or any new distro using chameleon ) - it doesnt really matter, as far as i know. Chameleon will set your Vista boot automatically so you wont have to do anything - just install. So it`s almost the same in this case. I would go for 1 drive for 2 systems cause setting BIOS booting settings each time you want to switch systems can be really pain in the neck.

blast9999 · #5 03-22-2009, 05:51 PM

The new chameleon will change all this I think.

esz · #6 03-22-2009, 07:19 PM

You dont have to go into the bios. just press f8 during the POST and select a disk. the same as with chameleon but safer.

naquaada · #7 03-22-2009, 08:07 PM

Take a look at my installation guide for a fool-proof system. Maybe I have to update some things, but it's still useful. If you don't have harddisks yet I can recommend the Samsung Spinpoint HD103UJ - 1 TB harddisks. They are very fast, extremely quiet and don't get hot (<37°C/98°F). Price below 90 Euro.