New SteamOS beta allows for dual-boot installation

People interested in trying out SteamOS no longer need to install it on a computer by itself: A new beta version of the Linux-based operating system supports dual-boot installation.

Valve engineer John Vert posted an ISO file for the beta, which works with non-UEFI systems, on Steam Universe. The beta incorporates work from Ye Olde SteamOSe, a version of the SteamOS package that was modified by two individuals to work with older, non-UEFI computers. Users can set up their computers for dual-booting and customize their hard drive partitioning through the "Expert Install" option in the beta.

Vert warned that "there has been very little testing on this, especially any kind of dual-boot setup," so users may run into issues depending on their PC configuration. "Don't install it on any machine you are not prepared to lose," said Vert.

For more on the current state of SteamOS and Valve's Steam Machine initiative, check out our report from CES 2014.