Multi Boot for DAW’s

Totally understand what you mean, But what you are describing is a partitioned system NOT a dual boot system

A dual boot system allows two operating systems to be installed onto a machine. So for example, XP and Vista (not that anyone would want vista imo ). so that each of them can be loaded seperately.

Partitioning is different,

Partitioning usually entails one hard disk split into multiple disks (on a software level, Not like slice the HD up and offer it with a brew )

If i remember correctly there was an article in computer music magazine years ago about this but here’s what i remember

Firstly,

install your operating system on the drive

then, create a partition for the DAW (depending on the on the size of the drive 20GB will suffice)

Install your DAW, VST’s etc on that partition

Next, Create another partition so that your sample library can be put on it,

and finally make a partition of the "free" space for Counterstrike and Half life 2.

and thats your lot!

**Disclaimer** Obviously, altering partitions can affect the data that is allready stored on them so i would suggest backing everything up (or just go for that format).

Hope that helps [/i]

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
1. Would you require seperate partions for each DAW you use?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

No, each prog should be happy on the same partition

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
2. What size would a partion have to be for a DAW?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

how long is a piece of string??? Cubase and nuendo use about 300mb and acid uses a mere 66mb, but if you are installing VST’s (I’ve got BFD which is 5 dvd’s worth) its all dependant on that, Most Vsts take up about 10mb – 120mb each
so recommended about 6-7gb

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
3. What size would a partion have to be for General Use?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

General use ey??? Its a bit obtuse that question matey!

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
4. Would you need to purchase more than 1 copy of the opperating system you are going to use?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

Nope

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
5. Does this apply to only PC or does it apply to a MAC?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

I dont think so, But im not a mac user.. so i wouldnt know sry

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
6. Is this easy enough for a beginner like myself to do?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

Yes, (generally) if its a clean install with nothing to lose then go ahead and tinker away, but if you’ve valuble data that you cant be without (kylie’s greatest hits) you need to back it up before trying anything

If you need advice on partitioning look it up on google (as it is your friend) or Pm me, I’ll be happy to help

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
7. What Operating System would be most suitable for this?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

what ever you are happiest with. I use XP on my main machine but have both linux and Xp on my laptop

[quote quote="tobacco_slammers":3mjyvmyl]
8. If you had to go online to download a software update could you do this independant of what your running your DAW on and import it somehow?
[/quote:3mjyvmyl]

That’s all independant of the companies, so i have no idea, usually software updates are automated (like windows with the crappy yellow shield ). Patches and such are usually available from the vendors website.
[/list]

TS, you got a reply PM.

My HDD’s are setup on some of the advice of a Future Music article from around 4 years ago, by Doug Kraul. And here’s how they are…

HDD 1
C: (Boot) 2Mb – Nothing here but Boot files. No programs, nothing except Boot .ini files.

D: (General) 40Gb – 1st install of XP OS with normal setup. Used for Programs that won’t interfere with DAW stuff, and used as an internet access for upgrades only.

E: (DAW) 45Gb – 2nd (and separate) install of XP OS. This is where Program files, Plugins, and the Reason sound files go.

F: (Auxiliary 1) 214Gb – Storage for downloaded files, and temporary storage.

HDD 2
G: (Projects) 30Gb – Where sound files are stored (temporarily) for the project I’m working on. Nothing else here except audio related to the project.

H: (Samples) 120Gb – As it says.

I: (Data) 20Gb – Song files (minus audio etc..) and presets.

J: (Project Saves) 170Gb – Just a place to store the Projects when not being worked on.

HDD 3
K: (Video Files) 60Gb – Stores video files I may be working with.

L: (Recovery 1) 140Gb – A reasonable area for recovery of files while being moved.

M: (Recovery 2) 80Gb – A small area for any recovery of files while being moved.

N: (General File Saves) 40Gb – Mp3’s, Photo’s, Video’s, any Documents etc…

The reason why I have done mine like that is… it worked when I first did it, so why change. There is however, respectable people who say the DAW partition should be on the first partition, but I ain’t had any problems.

To have a dual-boot (of OS) on only the one partition will increase the risk of any virus corrupting the registry etc. To have the ‘boot’ on a separate partition is also for the same reason, and if you can boot, you should be able to recover. It would be great to be able to change the ‘boot’ drive, but Windows automatically installs the boot files on the first available partition apparently.

To give a clearer indication of what partitions are… A HDD with no partitions is like a 12" mix, where as a HDD with 2 or more partitions is like an Vinyl 12" Album with 2 or more tracks and with multiple stylus playing the tracks at the same time. The part required for high-speed transfer (Audio/Samples) should be on the first partition of the HDD, and although it can be done with only the one HDD, two is preferred over the one HDD. Partitions also enable the HDD to have a longer life, or so they say.

The most important thing for a DAW though, is reliability, and partitioning greatly increases this reliability. Well, mine is reliable anyway, and doesn’t even hint at hanging.

Just to add, I used Seagate’s DiscWizard to partition, and not XP’s partitioner in Administration. It’s far quicker.

Replied to PM.