Can I install Mac OS X on multiple hard drives??

[Cmd-the-World]

Hi all I don't know if this question was already asked or if this thread is in the correct section.

I am planning to buy the 2010 8 Core Mac Pro and it would substitute my PC which I am using for video editing. I am planning to buy an external hardware accelerator however the company producing this system is slow to update the drivers for new software updates. With this accelerator card I have the option to work with Mac OS X or Windows (preferably I would like to work with Mac OS X).

I am asking can I install Mac OS X on multiple drives (using more than one copy of Mac OS X). I was thinking of having a drive with the editing software on it and the other drive having all the other apps I need for everyday use (iWork, Apeture, iTunes ...). In this set up I would be able to keep the editing drive constant at a particular (dot) update that works with the system while the second drive could be updated and even upgraded to Lion at my free will. Is this possible or do I need to install Windows under boot camp to have this facility?

Thanks in advance

 

[tersono]

Yes, you can. Holding down the option key at boot will allow you to select the boot drive on the fly.

 

[RuggedNdividual]

I've partitioned and cloned a few hard drives to use as spares, should the unthinkable happen, and can't imagine a problem occurring. I only have older machines and don't have much experience yet, but I've done this recently and don't foresee problems. I'm new at this and might be overlooking much, especially regarding newer machines. Hopefully, someone with more knowledge will post soon. Good luck.

Edit:

Speak of the devil...

 

[Cmd-the-World]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[philipma1957]

yes you can do many many bootable osx systems