I just recently switched back to a new iMac 3.06, 4 Gig system after using a PC for several years and I need some advice about running a few Microsoft programs that can only be used with Windows. I have read all about the differences between VM, Parallels, and Bootcamp but I am more confused on what I should use for the few programs that I need since reading so many conflicting opinions and reports. A brief background...I am decided to make a big career change and I am back in Law School but I am required to use a few PC programs such as MS Onenote for outlining and creating case briefs as well as a few other PC programs. Other than a few applications, I do not need Windows for anything else. Do you think VM or Parallels is the best bet for me or should I just stick with the Bootcamp that came with the system? In addition, I just want to verify that getting a full version of Windows XP Pro 32-bit is the best bet? Thank you to anyone who can give me some more clear direction.
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Need Advice for Windows on Mac
- Thread starter Macfan74
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I don't know if it will help but I can tell you my setup and what I think about it.
I have a unibody MBP 2.66Ghz, 4GB Ram, 500GB HDD. I am running bootcamp with Windows 7(64 Bit). I love my setup. The only downside is having to boot out to run Windows but I enjoy having the full power of my MPB while in Windows. I game alot so I had to go this route. But, it runs perfect on my machine with no flaws or downsides whatsoever. I also run L4D on high(shaders medium) and Crysis on medium and it performs like a champ.
I have a unibody MBP 2.66Ghz, 4GB Ram, 500GB HDD. I am running bootcamp with Windows 7(64 Bit). I love my setup. The only downside is having to boot out to run Windows but I enjoy having the full power of my MPB while in Windows. I game alot so I had to go this route. But, it runs perfect on my machine with no flaws or downsides whatsoever. I also run L4D on high(shaders medium) and Crysis on medium and it performs like a champ.
Thank you
Thank you, Chad H. I appreciate you sharing what has worked for you any your system needs. At this point, I don't really need to have Windows and OS open at the same time because I can still take notes from Onenote at the same time I listen to archived lectures made possible from my Law School, which can be run on any internet browser. All other uses will be from Mac Office 08 as well as other Mac programs. One thing I did not ask before was if I need to have security software such as McAfee if I end up choosing to run Windows under Bootcamp?
Thank you, Chad H. I appreciate you sharing what has worked for you any your system needs. At this point, I don't really need to have Windows and OS open at the same time because I can still take notes from Onenote at the same time I listen to archived lectures made possible from my Law School, which can be run on any internet browser. All other uses will be from Mac Office 08 as well as other Mac programs. One thing I did not ask before was if I need to have security software such as McAfee if I end up choosing to run Windows under Bootcamp?
No, I installed AVG. Thats plenty. Window's is safe as long as you don't visit weird websites and open any weird .exe files. I also didn't setup any email whatsoever on Windows.
If OneNote doesn't have any quirky hardware requirements, and it probably won't, then either Parallels or VMware would be best as you could work in OSX and Windows at the same time. No need to pay for anti-virus as the free ones like AVG or Avast do a decent job (as long as you are careful) but its still necessary, IMO.
I'll also add that Virtual Box is a free visualization program but not nearly as polished as VMware or Parallels.
I'll also add that Virtual Box is a free visualization program but not nearly as polished as VMware or Parallels.