Os9/x Dual Boot Set Up Options

[jimmynitcher]

If I want to run both OS's do I partition a drive,install OSX into the partition and then use it as a second start up disk?
I'm using a Quicksilver G4 733 - does my firmware need upgrading?
thanks in adv
j

[lepetitmartien]

I think it has been covered already but here we go again…

While installing, install twice OS9, one with OSX (same partition if you want) to be used as classic. The other on a different partition (remove the files in the system called classic blahblah there are 3 files). Use this seconf non-classic as the "real" 9 system for dual boot.

On firmware it should be said on the read-me files coming with OSX, or check on Apple site. Sorry I don't know

[dixiechicken]

You dont have to upgrade the firmware on the quicksilver to make it a double-boot system.

Personally I would recommend against a double-boot system on general principles.
Unless you absolutely need it or like to play around, dont use it

This capability on newer G3/G4 machines was meant as a stopgap measure.
( use the kiss-principle in all things computer - Keep It Simple Stupid )

A double-boot system is inherently less stable than a single boot-system.

If there are firmware-updates for the quicksilver at Apple, by all means install them.
Read Apple recommendations first.

Cheers: Dixiechicken.

[etyrnal]

"A double-boot system is inherently less stable than a single boot-system."

not really. in MY opinion. if you have one system on one partition and a different one on another partition, then if you are ever unable to boot from the one, you always have a backup...

in other words - if somehow you one os gets damaged or corrupted, you can STILL BOOT your machine and do repairs....

[dixiechicken]

I beg to differ.
You are right that a double-boot system can be handy for quick-repairs.

My experience is that mac OS 9 together with Mac OS X on the same HD - different volumes is not as stable as a lone version of either OS on a single volume.

I'm not referring to operating system stability, Im referring to the info put on the hd itself.

If the wrong/wright house-keeping info on your hd gets thrashed - you will loose both partitions.

Cheers: Dixiechicken

[lepetitmartien]

On my personnal experience, having multiple systems (OS 8 or 9) on different partitions is a bit loony.

Never been able to boot correctly that way (if booting). Maybe that's why I have 3 hard drives in the G3

I know it can work, but I don't know if it's a quesiton of system, of mac or of drives. Maybe voodoo
So the best is to play as safely as possible on this.

[dixiechicken]

If you want to have a double-boot system it is best and safest to have different OS:es on different physical drives, if you can afford it.

As for booting Mac OS 8 or Mac OS 9 on the same physical drive different volumes, it is possible but more difficult/unstable.
The ordinary control panel i the apple menu for choosing boot-volume, doesnt work too welll in such a scenario.

You can download an alternative control panel from the Apple website I forget the exact name of that control panel.
( Startup Manager - or something like that )

But that panel does a much better job of selecting the correct systemfolder to boot from.
Plus it lets you choose to boot from Mac OS X as well.

Cheers: Dixiechicken

[jimmynitcher]

Interesting...actually I have two drives - one has my audio on it... so I should stick OSX on there.(?)
thanks v much for your thoughts
j