Function

• The function of dual booting and using a virtual machine are the same: to use two or more operating systems. There are a couple of reasons for doing this. You may want to use an open source operating system like Ubuntu but still need the functionality of Windows for some programs that have known compatibility issues with Ubuntu, such as many games. Some users may need to run two or more operating systems in a work atmosphere to access different servers and complex programs, switching between them seamlessly.
  
  

Identification

• You will be able to identify a dual boot setup easily by watching for the bootloader menu before the computer begins to load its operating system. If there is no selection menu, then the hard drive only recognizes the primary operating system and will boot to it automatically.
  
  A virtual machine is a program within an operating system. To find a virtual machine, you’ll have to boot into the operating system and look for virtualization programs, such as VMWare or Microsoft Virtual PC, in the Start menu.
  
  

Significance

• The significance of the dual boot versus virtual machine debate lies in what you can do with each. Dual booting involves actually installing two separate operating systems on two separate partitions. This results in a smoother running system in most cases, but you’ll need to restart and boot to the other operating system in order to access its information. Moreover, accessing files from one operating system in another operating system can be problematic, due to different file systems.
  
  Virtualization, on the other hand, involves using a program in your primary operating system that will manage the installation of one or more other operating systems. With the program you can access additional operating systems while still booted to your primary operating system. This can allow for much quicker access to files and programs within the second operating system if you have a computer strong enough to handle two or more operating systems at once.
  
  

Common Uses

• Dual booting is particularly useful for power users who want to use a variety of software to its fullest potential, but don’t need multiple things at once. Gamers commonly use dual booting so that they can use the operating system they enjoy for work or school-related tasks, then switch to Windows, the required operating system for most games. Virtualization is more practical for many users because you can switch from one operating system to the next on the fly. Most businesses will set up virtual machines before dual boots.
  
  

Considerations

• When deciding whether to dual boot or use a virtual machine to load two or more operating systems, consider how you use your computer. If you will need to use many programs in the second operating system alongside what you’re doing in the primary operating system, virtualization may be the better option. On the other hand, if you would be using one operating system primarily and only have the second for certain applications rarely used, dual boot may be the better option.