SyStem> Any SyStem offering the uSer the choice of two operation SyStemS (OSeS) under which to Start a computer. A dual boot SyStem allowS the uSer to run programS for both operating SyStemS on a Single computer (though not SimultaneouSly). The term "multiple boot" or "multiboot" extendS the idea to more than two OSeS. The OSeS are generally unaware of each other' S exiStence. They are inStalled on Separate hard diSkpartitionS or on Separate diSkS. They may be able to acceSS each other' S fileS, poSSibly via Some extra driverSoftware if they uSe different file SyStemS. The OSeS need not be completely different - they might be different verSionS of MicroSoft WindowS (e.g. WindowS XP and WindowS NT) or Linux (e.g. Debian and Fedora). A dual boot SyStem differS from an emulatorSuch aSvmware, which runS one or more OSeS "on top" of the primary OS, uSing itS reSourceS. (2005-02-01)
