Multi or Dual... which is better?

I've never used a multiclassed or dual-classed character before, and am thinking of starting one. Which is better overall? Multi or Dual?

a multi classed charecter gains exp. in both classes simultainiusly diveideing exp equally,but a dual classed charecter (which only humans can do) stops gaining exp in one class and then moves on permantly to another , they eventully get their old class powers back(when the level of thier new class is greater than that of the old) but cannot advance as thier old class.If you dual class around 12-14 you should be able to get up to at least level 15 in your new class but multi classed dont get as high but improve in both classes still, try looking in the manuel for more info.

[Accord]

Dual class if you want to fine tune your character like developing a fighter then dual to a mage or thief(or remain to be human), that way you will have relatively high hitpoints to start off with your second class. But it is also riskier since the 1st class' benefits will not be "returned" to you until your 2nd class' level exceed the level of your 1st class.
Multi class does have the racial advantages, for example like elfs have resistance to certain spells (e.g. sleep).
Personally, I prefer dual class.

[el_kalkylus]

I prefer dualclass too. A fighter dualled to a mage or a thief is the best, because you get good THACO, many proficiency points, good hp and can be a grandmaster in weapons, all this in the beginning of the game. It is very good to have a mage that can also fight, or a mage that has some thief-skills, or a thief that fight as a fighter and can backstab 20 more damage than a thief and never misses a backstab. One disadvantage is that the human cannot play 3 classes.

Now I am currently testing the elven fighter/mage/thief (multiclass), and he is playing solo, completely by himself. He can handle every situations. He is mediocre as a mage, thief and a fighter, but the combination is awesome. The problem is that the exp is divided in 3 (exp for each class), but since he is playing solo there is no problem with gaining levels. Another disadvantage with the multiclassed character is that it cannot be grandmaster in weapons, only specialized at most.

[el_kalkylus]

Oh, I almost forgot... You shouldn't pick a multiclassed fighter/mage, fighter/thief, or mage/thief, because they will end up on almost the same levels as a fighter/mage/thief in the end (with xp-cap). Lool at the levels below.

F/M : 6/6 to 13/13
F/T : 6/7 to 13/16
M/T : 6/7 to 13/16
F/M/T : 5/5/6 to 11/12/14

This means that the F/M/T loses -2 to THACO, 1 weapon proficiency point, 50 thief skill points, and and 1 spell slot at the mage levels 1,2,3 & 6) in comparison some of the other combos. This is not much, so why choose the other combos when you can have a fighter/mage/thief?