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Bootcamp? Parallels? VMware?

ChadBrommer

ChadBrommer

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 15, 2008
82
0
On the computer.
I'm going to a college in August that runs Windows but I'm getting a Mac for my own personal sanity during my 4 years there. What is the best/easiest way to run both OSX and Vista. Also, I will be using Linux there as well, how can I do all 3. That isn't as important as the first question though.
 
If you do a forum search, you'll find several threads covering this subject.

All of the options work, the best option depends on a mixture of personal preference and what you're going to be running under Vista...
 
I used a Boot Camp install, plus Parallels using the BC partition. It gives you the most flexibility, allowing both full hardware (BC) and a very good emulation when you don't need all the horsepower (Parallels). I have noticed, though, that I haven't needed the BC-level horsepower in months (and I run some custom apps on Oracle & SQL db's). I have a 2.16 Blackbook with 4GB, devote 1GB to the Parallels bottle.
 
Well, the best all-round compromise is, as the earlier poster mentioned, installing with BootCamp, then using VMWare or parallels to run Windows from the BC partition. That way if you need the extra horsepower it's only a reboot away.

Seriously, though, do a forum search - there's been a lot of discussions on here regarding this subject and you may find it useful going through one or two of the old threads.
 
DoFoT9 said:
eh go parallels.. run all 3 easily.. make sure u have the RAM though.. 2gb +
Click to expand...

I had four VMs working on my loaner laptop. Make sure you max out the memory since 4gb is floating around $100.00 USD. Well worth it if you want to run a few VMs.
 
I've blown way too much money on Parallels. The latest version is so buggy that it's literally unusable. I finally just spent another $80 on VMWare, and everything runs smoothly now.
 
I've not used Bootcamp/Parallells yet, but I intend to sort it out on my MBP soon.

I was wondering - what are the security issues with installing Windows on a previously relatively secure system like OS X, will it leave it open to spyware, viruses etc., as the Windows virus can access all the data stored on your Mac partition too?!

What do you guys do about this?
 
MarkW19 said:
I've not used Bootcamp/Parallells yet, but I intend to sort it out on my MBP soon.

I was wondering - what are the security issues with installing Windows on a previously relatively secure system like OS X, will it leave it open to spyware, viruses etc., as the Windows virus can access all the data stored on your Mac partition too?!

What do you guys do about this?
Click to expand...

Basically you need the same security on your windows partition as you would
on a stand alone PC.

If a windows virus did manage to migrate across it wouldnt harm your Mac
as os x wouldnt understand it

Try fusion

https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/
 
neil321 said:
Basically you need the same security on your windows partition as you would
on a stand alone PC.

If a windows virus did manage to migrate across to os x it wouldnt harm it
as os x wouldnt understand it

Try fusion

https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/
Click to expand...

OK, thanks. I'd just be worried because my data will be shared between Mac/PC, so my main worry would be something accessing my txt files etc.

Is VMWare generally better than Parallels? Fusion looks good.

Is it possible to use Windows MSN within Leopard, with it treated just like it's a Mac app, ie icon for it in the dock, and I just have the MSN window open on my desktop, without having to actually 'use' Windows, if you see what I mean?Also, will my iSight work with MSN?

And how about big 3D games, how will they perform in VMWare, vs Bootcamp?
 
MarkW19 said:
OK, thanks. I'd just be worried because my data will be shared between Mac/PC, so my main worry would be something accessing my txt files etc.

Is VMWare generally better than Parallels? Fusion looks good.

Is it possible to use Windows MSN within Leopard, with it treated just like it's a Mac app, ie icon for it in the dock, and I just have the MSN window open on my desktop, without having to actually 'use' Windows, if you see what I mean?Also, will my iSight work with MSN?

And how about big 3D games, how will they perform in VMWare, vs Bootcamp?
Click to expand...

There is a debate that is on going as to which is better fusion or
parallels,but basically its for you to decide,both have free trials so my advice
would be to try both out,my vote and many others is for fusion

Im not to sure about MSN questions as i dont use it, there is a Mac version or theres always ichat

3D games will always be better played on bootcamp as windows runs at native speed
 
MarkW19 said:
Is it possible to use Windows MSN within Leopard, with it treated just like it's a Mac app, ie icon for it in the dock, and I just have the MSN window open on my desktop, without having to actually 'use' Windows, if you see what I mean?Also, will my iSight work with MSN?
Click to expand...
When you install Windows, you also install drivers for all the Apple hardware. These drivers are from Apple and are supplied on the Leopard installation disc. After that, your Windows installation on the Boot Camp partition can use the iSight camera, the trackpad, the eject button, etc.

On my machine, I also went out and got the latest drivers from ATI for the Radeon X1600 video card (I'm on a "Late 2006" MB Pro).

When you start the Boot Camp Windows installation inside a VMWare virtual machine, you also have to install "VMware Tools". There's a menu option in VMWare to do this, and it causes an installer to run in Windows.

After that, you can drag and drop between OS X and Windows, and use the Unity view, where the Windows desktop disappears and you just the the XP application window floating on the OS X desktop. At that point, an icon for the program shows up on the Dock.

I think that you can have a Dock icon that will start Windows in the VM and then start the program you want and bring it up in Unity view, but I'm not certain.
 
Thanks guys, I'll give Fusion a shot! I'll mainly be using Windows for gaming, so I'll use Bootcamp for that. And Fusion for small apps like Windows MSN (much more full-featured than the Mac version, and sadly iChat!) etc.

I guess Fusion will use my Bootcamp partition, so I just need to sort out security in Bootcamp. What would you guys suggest installing (under Windows) to protect my machine? I'll not be web browsing in Windows, just MSN and maybe online gaming, all other internet access will be from OS X. But, I don't want my Mac files vulnerable to anything that happens with Windows, as the home directory/text files/pics etc. are shared between the two!

What Windows security programs would you suggest installing? Ideally free ones...

And, should I be getting XP or Vista?
 
MarkW19 said:
What Windows security programs would you suggest installing? Ideally free ones...

And, should I be getting XP or Vista?
Click to expand...
I got XP Pro. Later, I discovered that the drivers for my Mac's video card are only available for XP. I don't know whether that means Vista supports it automatically or what; I've never used Vista.

Security software? I installed the standard trio of ZoneAlarm, Spybot Search and Destroy, and AVG Antivirus. All three have free versions. Although their websites make it difficult to find the free versions, they are there. When you install them, update them immediately. AVG gives me an update about twice a week.

Speaking of updates, after you install Windows XP and before you install anything else, update Windows. I found that Windows XP Pro SP2 from my OEM install disc needed something like 106 updates to become current. That was in the first week of January; no doubt there are more now.
 
MarkW19 said:
Thanks guys, I'll give Fusion a shot! I'll mainly be using Windows for gaming, so I'll use Bootcamp for that. And Fusion for small apps like Windows MSN (much more full-featured than the Mac version, and sadly iChat!) etc.

I guess Fusion will use my Bootcamp partition, so I just need to sort out security in Bootcamp. What would you guys suggest installing (under Windows) to protect my machine? I'll not be web browsing in Windows, just MSN and maybe online gaming, all other internet access will be from OS X. But, I don't want my Mac files vulnerable to anything that happens with Windows, as the home directory/text files/pics etc. are shared between the two!

What Windows security programs would you suggest installing? Ideally free ones...

And, should I be getting XP or Vista?
Click to expand...

First things first go XP (more drivers & support)

Second if your that worried about your text files etc why not invest in a external and format it hfs+(journaled)

thirdly try looking on

http://www.scanwith.com/ for all your free security

EDIT:OH and Komiksulo you forgot to put Windows Defender on your list

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
 
I use Parallels and Boot Camp with XP but I rarely ever use Boot Camp because Parallels is so convenient. Boot Camp really only offers a little more speed for intensive applications and 3D which I don't need. Vista offers me nothing but frustrations.
 
Cheers guys. I'll get XP then and make sure I have all the updates, and I'll get all the free security software you suggested.

I guess I could use File Vault on my Mac, that Windows won't be able to access at all?
 
Just installed XP today, seems to work well with Boot Camp. Going to give Fusion a go later on.

Anyway, I had to format the Windows partition as NTFS, as FAT wasn't available for some reason...so, does that mean I can't download a Windows file on my Mac (for convenience/security), and copy it to the Windows partition for use in XP?
 
OS X can read NTFS but can not write to it. However, there are ways to add writing functionality to it. Google search "MacFUSE" or "Paragon NTFS". One is a free alternative and the other is a commercial product.

From the Windows side, you can use MacDrive to give Windows read/write ability to Mac partitions.

Fusion will allow you move files back and forth without the need for any of the above.
 
MarkW19 said:
Cheers guys. I'll get XP then and make sure I have all the updates, and I'll get all the free security software you suggested.

I guess I could use File Vault on my Mac, that Windows won't be able to access at all?
Click to expand...

Forgive me, but I do not recommend getting so many system updates for the Windows operating system as installing them slows down XP. The more updates you add, the slower the operating system becomes (excluding the Service Packs). I just recommend using the Service Packs as they increase speeds. Microsoft will soon release Service Pack 3 for XP. I recommend installing that when released.
 
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