title: C++ multithreading without C++11?
body: <p>C++11's threading library is wonderful looking.  It's small, simple, standard, and portable.  Unfortunately, I'm locked to Visual Studio 2010 which obviously doesn't have that available to it.</p>
  
  <p>My questions are, what multi-threading libraries are available that provide a similar level of functionality, while being portable and reliable?  Is it possible (physically and legally) to obtain the corresponding <code>&lt;thread&gt;</code> library to use in VS2010?  Are there disadvantages to using a separate library (maybe not as actively maintained since C++11 fills that role, etc)?</p>