bootcamp or parallels, which one is right for me?

[hoolamonster]

Ok here's the deal I have MBP running 10.5.7 2.4 with 4 gigs of ram and I need to run Windows. I would like to run it stand alone to use all my available resources, as I will be running PS AE 3DsMax ect..., but the kicker is I would need access to my Mac files...

I read that "bootcamp" installs will not allow access to Mac files and folders while in PC and vise versa... true?

Parallels will but then Im not taking advantage of all my hardware resources running windows this way...

Do suggest run a "bootcamp" install and use a removable for storage of all files so I can go back and forth with them if need be?

I have files on my mac right now I will need to open and have access to inside of Windows programs...

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[hoolamonster]

also, I have xp pro sp3 64bit... that should work correct?

 

[spinnerlys]

Running Windows via Boot Camp would be better with those kind of programs.

You can use MacDrive for Windows to access HFS+ formatted volumes/drives (HFS+ is the filesystem Mac OS X uses) and read and write to them. It costs around 100 USD.

To write to NTFS (the filesystem Windows uses, which can only be read by Mac OS X) you can use MacFuse + NTFS-3G drivers. They are free.


To the 64-bit part:
It should work, as the current Macs all have 64-bit CPUs, but I don't know if the drivers from Apple are for 64-bit Windows. Also are your programs 64-bit?

And why don't you use the Mac OS X versions for PS and AE?

 

[hoolamonster]

I have them but 3ds Max is another story... I need to use PS and AE in conjunction with it....

 

[spinnerlys]

I have them but 3ds Max is another story... I need to use PS and AE in conjunction with it....

I see.

Have a look at MRoogle about the 64-bit drivers for Windows.

 

[hoolamonster]

great resource! Now it looks like "apple" doesnt support it but it will work. my question is for few of those drivers that will not make the overlap of OS do I download them now or do I install XP 1st... not really sure how that works, and the same for the keyboard...