Description
Dual-booting describes the loading of multiple operating systems (Windows, AppleOSX, Other) onto different partitions of a computer's hard-drive. A partition is like a wedge of pie - each operating system is installed in its own piece of the hard drive and does not interact with nor affect the other partitions. This partitioning may also be accomplished by installing multiple hard-drives, but that is not necessary as hard drives are now so big they can store multiple operating systems easily.
Example
Many MAC users have found that they need to install Windows so they can use Windows-based software products (such as On-Screen Takeoff/Digital Production Control, Quick Bid, and ConstructConnect Takeoff). After they purchase their MAC hardware, they use an included utility called "BootCamp" to create a new partition on the hard-drive, then install a version of Windows in that partition (yes, usually, you will have to pay for a license of Windows, nothing is free, right?).
Bootcamp is no longer available on "M-chip" powered Apple computers. The only option for running Windows on a newer MAC is virtualization (Parallels).
Once configured in this manner, when you 'boot up' (start) your computer, you are prompted to choose the operating system (Windows or Mac OSX) you want to run.
Is this Virtualization
No.
Virtualization is a little different. Virtualization means running one operating system within the confines of another operating system using an emulator or virtual software product such as Parallels (MAC), VMWare, Citrix, or Hyper-V Server. For example, instead of creating a separate partition for Windows, some MAC users may just run Windows inside a program called Parallels. They still boot into MAC OSX and use all their great Apple-based software, but if they need to run a Windows-based software (like On-Screen Takeoff or Quick Bid), it runs in a virtualized 'session' of Windows, without leaving MAC OSX. See the Related articles for more information on Virtualization.
Do we support use of Our software in a dual-boot environment?
Yes! For the most part, as long as the Windows partition is a supported version of Windows (check the System Requirements before installing).
Remember, if you are dual-booting two versions of Windows, for example, Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can install our software on each Windows partition although, each partition must be licensed separately (licensing OST in Windows 11, for example, doesn't license it in Windows 10, they are separate installations of the product and require separate licenses).
For any assistance with dual-booting, please contact a qualified IT Professional. Support does not assist with advanced Windows configuration.
Does Dual-Boot require the use of license manager?
No, Local licensing (activation keys) work fine and since the operating system cannot be run in tandem with another OS on the same machine, there is no risk of a license being used more than once, which would violate the EULA.
Let's say you are dual-booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 and you've activated a license in Windows 10. To use that license in Windows 11, you must return (de-activate) the license before shutting down Windows 10. Then, boot up Windows 11, and you can activate it. If your company uses "Server Codes" for licensing, this return is handled automatically for you when you shut-down On-Screen Takeoff or Quick Bid.
Keep in mind, when using license manager, each instance of OST or QB (for example, Windows 11 and Windows 10, or even a Windows partition on a MAC and a Windows installation within Parallels in OSX) could borrow its own license, using up two or more licenses from the pool. It's always best to use "floating" licenses and only "borrow" licenses when you truly need to disconnect from a company's network.
