Setup Dual-Boot Configuration on a Mac

The perks of having both a Mac and a PC on a single computer can be done by double boot. Are you familiar with the term? Try this guide on how to dual-boot your Mac using Apple's new boot Camp software. It is now easier to do things with this software.

Boot Camp is this great software that lets users install and boot up Windows operating systems on their OSX computer. With a dual booted computer, on the startup you gain the choice to use either Windows or Mac OS X. This is a great way to consolidate your computing experience and run essential Windows programs that are not available in the Mac ecosystem.

Before proceeding to having your computer dual-booted, make sure that you are ready with the following.

1. 1
   An Intel-based Mac running with an OS 10.5 (Leopard) with all software updates installed.

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2. 2
   A minimum of 10 GB of free space on your Mac's hard drive.

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3. 3
   A functional printer connected to your Mac

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   Just make sure you have stocks of ink and paper.

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4. 4
   A Windows XP installation disk

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   Make sure you use a genuine copy that includes Service Pack 2.

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First, free up as much space as you can, because you will eventually need it. Then make sure to make backup copies of all your files in the computer you are going to use. Next, log on to your Mac computer as an admin user. Make sure also that your computer is plugged into a power source.

1. 1
   Launch Boot Camp Assistant

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   This software is easy to use since it is a step-by-step wizard, so you should not have any problem opening it. The wizard will let you print a 26-page user guide in PDF. A paper copy of the user guide will be essential to you since you are about to reboot you system. In fact, this printout is more complete than any other guides available. If you happen to miss a step or haven't followed the correct procedure, you can easily consult your printout.

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2. 2
   Set up Partitions on your Mac's Hard Drive

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   After choosing the Boot Camp Assistant Wizard that you would like to use to set up Windows in your unit, the next thrilling and fun part is "splitting" your Mac's hard drive into partitions and setting Windows to install on one of these partitions. The assistant will show a diagram of the system's map particularly on your hard drive. Click the divider to drag it and set the size of the Windows part. Make sure the space you appoint for your Windows is at least 32 GB to run it smoothly. Just follow what the Assistant will prompt you to do.

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3. 3
   Start the Windows Installation

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   Having a divided Mac hard drive, you are now ready to insert your windows installation dick and click the "Start installation" button in the Assistant as well. When it comes time to select partition to format, be sure to choose the partition labeled C: Partition 3. When you choose the wrong one, you can lose your entire Mac so be careful.

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4. 4
   Install the Window Drivers for your Mac's Hardware

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   After completely booting your system, now you have the choice to start either Mac OS X or Windows. To make these choices on startup of the computer, hold down the Operation key and you'll see the two partitions you setup. Click the one that has the operating system you want to use.

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After doing all of these steps, you are now ready to enjoy having two operating systems on your Mac computer.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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