Bootcamp/Parallels/VMware confusion

[flyman]

Hi everyone please be patient with me on this as I'm a real noob when it comes to this kind of stuff and could really do with some help.

I have a copy of Windows 7 x64 Pro which I want to install onto a separate HD in my Mac Pro (early 2008 quad core) with OS 10.6.1.

This leads me to several questions.

1. Is it best to use Bootcamp to install Windows 7?
   
2. If I've already installed Windows 7 via Bootcamp can I install from the same Windows 7 disc with Parallels/VMware?
   
3. When installing Windows 7 with Parallels/VMware, would it create the virtual environment on my Mac HD or on a drive of my choice?

Heres hoping someone can help
Many thanks in advance

 

[05slvrscape]

Hi everyone please be patient with me on this as I'm a real noob when it comes to this kind of stuff and could really do with some help.

I have a copy of Windows 7 x64 Pro which I want to install onto a separate HD in my Mac Pro (early 2008 quad core) with OS 10.6.1.

This leads me to several questions.

1. Is it best to use Bootcamp to install Windows 7?
   
   Depends on what you are doing. Gaming - Yes, Lighter programs - Either is fine.
   
2. If I've already installed Windows 7 via Bootcamp can I install from the same Windows 7 disc with Parallels/VMware?
   
   You can have Parallel's access the Bootcamp installation without having to reinstall or create a seperate VM. I haven't used VMware but I believe it will do the same.
   
3. When installing Windows 7 with Parallels/VMware, would it create the virtual environment on my Mac HD or on a drive of my choice?

If you install Windows through Parallels then you can chose for the image to be on a different drive if you like. I run a Windows 7 image from an external drive.

Heres hoping someone can help
Many thanks in advance

Hope the answers above help you out.

 

[flyman]

Thank you that helps a lot but raises more questions!

You can have Parallel's access the Bootcamp installation without having to reinstall or create a seperate VM. I haven't used VMware but I believe it will do the same.

So is there a distict advantage to letting Parallels/VMware access the Bootcamp partition rather than installing Windows with Parallels?


Ok so I think my plan would be as follows:

[Install A] - Install W7 with Bootcamp onto an additional internal Raptor Drive (for gaming and Microsoft Office Pro 2007).
[Install B] - Install Parallels/VMware onto the same HD as the Mac OS and direct it to use the Bootcamp partition for the VM.

Again this leads to other questions.

1. Is this be the best approach to take?
2. What would be the best way to make backups of the Bootcamp partition and the Parallels VM?

Once again many thanks.