Security Query: Dual Boot with two separate drives vs partition

[curious7]

Hi. I have read that using a computer specifically for financial transactions with known and trusted entities (such as a bank) is a good way to reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of your accounts being hacked by reducing the likelihood of inadvertently installing a malware, spyware, or virus by reducing internet sites visited. Assuming this is correct, I was wondering about dual booting one computer with two physical hard drives (each with its own OS) versus one hard drive with two partitions. I figure the former would be "more secure" since one drive would be isolated from any unwanted programs. However, since they shared a few things (motherboard and such), is this set up as "secure" as having two computers? If so, how does one go about setting up a dual boot with two separate hard drives of the same operating system using one computer?

 

[LittleJay]

Hi curious. I have Windows 7 installed on two separate disks myself for the same reason as you are asking about. Is it as secure as using two different computers? I would have to say not, but it is still more secure than having just one drive. There two ways I use to boot up my two Windows 7 disks. One is by tapping the f8 key while the computer is booting, which brings up a boot menu. I have an Asus MB, so I am not sure if you have can do the same thing, or not. The other way is to install EasyBCD on your primary boot disk and add a boot entry for the other Windows installation. EasyBCD can be set to bring up a boot screen showing both Windows installations so you have the choice of which one to load.

 

[gregrocker]

I would concentrate on having one perfect installation protected by MSE and the WIndows Firewall kept updated automatically, adding Malwarebytes Real Time protection if you're prone to infection or else running it's on-demand scanner monthly along with SuperAntiSpyware.

If you don't yet have a perfect install following the best practices we've learned about Win7 since before it was released, using only the tools and methods recommended, then consider a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which steps are the same for retail.

 

[LittleJay]

I would concentrate on having one perfect installation protected by MSE and the WIndows Firewall kept updated automatically, adding Malwarebytes Real Time protection if you're prone to infection or else running it's on-demand scanner monthly along with SuperAntiSpyware.

That is certainly an option, but in my case, I have spare HDDs, so keeping a copy of Windows 7 with all my financial data on it isn't a big deal. This way I can keep it offline and boot it up from my Thermaltake HDD dock when needed. Call me paranoid if you will, but I have always felt that an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

[curious7]

Thanks for all the reply. I have laptop for financial stuff. I was thinking it might be easier to use the same computer with two hard drive since I have limited work space (plus my son is eying the laptop). I just wish things would boot faster. Maybe I should get a SSD drive, but I hear these drives are not good for archival purposes (compared to regular HDD). After all, the information stored is financial stuff...

 

[gregrocker]

If the laptop doesn't have specfic issues we can help you troubleshoot but is a little sluggish booting or otherwise, try to Clean Up Factory Bloatware to get beyond the terrible load of preinstalled crapware and useless duplicate utilities that OEM's lard in to smother preinstalled Windows 7.