There are two types of generators: Backup and Stand-by. A backup generator is usually what you see sold commonly in retail stores: backup generators are relatively cheap and have power outlets on the side of them that you can plug extension cords or a generator cord that attaches to a generator outlet box on your house. A Backup generator has to be manually started when there is an outage. A Standby generator waits for an outage and then turns itself on. I don't know much about Standby generators other than that are usually professionally installed and come with a significant price-tag.
I use a Generac propane generator (it is as loud as my riding lawnmower--so loud) with a cord that goes into a separate circuit box in my grid that can swap over to run the boiler (and several rooms in my house). Since my house didn't come wired with every room wired into the generator breaker box I still have to use extension cords to reach my rodent ventilation system in my basement and a set of heat emitters in one of my snake rooms on the upper levels.
Note: Generator theft in my area is quite prevalent during a long-term outage. If you are running a generator with all your lights on and you notice that there is a crowd gathering in front of your house: you can either invite them in or fire a few warning shots in the air...
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