Backup Alternatives - Multi Boot Computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter allanc
  • Start date Start date
A

allanc

I have been reading various threads about hard drive backup techniques
in this ng and am curious as to whether the following is a good idea.

We currently have two PCs on the same LAN.
We were thinking of adding a third for occassional use.
On this new PC, I was thinking about having a dual boot PC.
One of these boots would be used solely for backing up the other 2
PCs.
The other boot would be for the occassional usage.

I have the following questions and would appreciate any advice:
1. Can XP PRO (for example) be used for *both* of these boots?
2. If the 'occassional use' boot is infected can this infection spread
to the boot which has the backups of the other 2 PCs?
3. Can I backup multiple images of each of the two PCs to the same
boot area?

TIA.
 
Answers inline
I have been reading various threads about hard drive backup techniques
in this ng and am curious as to whether the following is a good idea.

We currently have two PCs on the same LAN.
We were thinking of adding a third for occassional use.
On this new PC, I was thinking about having a dual boot PC.
One of these boots would be used solely for backing up the other 2
PCs.
The other boot would be for the occassional usage.

I have the following questions and would appreciate any advice:
1. Can XP PRO (for example) be used for *both* of these boots?
Click to expand...

Certainly but you'll need two XP licenses. Each installation of XP needs
its own license.
2. If the 'occassional use' boot is infected can this infection spread
to the boot which has the backups of the other 2 PCs?
3. Can I backup multiple images of each of the two PCs to the same
boot area?
Click to expand...

The answer depends on what backup program you're talking about, and I assume
by boot area you mean XP installation? In general, yes you can save
multiple images.
 
The answer depends on what backup program you're talking about, and I assume
by boot area you mean XP installation? In general, yes you can save
multiple images.
--
Click to expand...
Is one installation safe from potential infections on the other?
 
allanc said:
Is one installation safe from potential infections on the other?
Click to expand...

I'm not an expert in this but I would say no. Running malware on one could
infect another.
 
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