Not sure which Windows to use for Bootcamp

[MacAndy74]

My requirements for Windows on Bootcamp are really basic. All I want to do is run Bioshock and Sims 3, perhaps UT3 too. I was looking at Windows XP SP3 instead of using Windows Vista. My MBP spec is in the signatre. Also, are both Windows XP and Vista both well supported under Bootcamp

 

[MacDawg]

Yes, you can run either with no problems

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[MacAndy74]

Good to hear. I don't have much Windows Bootcamping experience

The only reason I'm thinking XP is because I want to use the least amount of spare for the NTFS partition.

 

[Krafty]

I'd go with XP. I couldn't get my Wifi to work in Vista.

 

[MacDawg]

You will not have any problems running XP
Just make sure you have SP2

Print the Boot Camp Assistant instructions and follow them
Make sure to install the drivers (steps included in instructions)

Back up your data before you start

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[MacAndy74]

I'd go with XP. I couldn't get my Wifi to work in Vista.

Really. OMG I don't think I'm going to risk Vista then. I have an unused license of Windows XP anyway.

 

[MacDawg]

I'd go with XP. I couldn't get my Wifi to work in Vista.

My WIFI is fine in Vista and Windows 7

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Jethryn Freyman]

I chose XP because I wanted to save HD space. I wouldn't bother with Vista, if you want the latest and greatest, just wait for Windows, which will be cheaper, faster, and more lightweight than Vista.

UT3 works great on my 8600M GT laptop with XP.

 

[Krafty]

My WIFI is fine in Vista and Windows 7

Woof, Woof - Dawg

I'm not sure what I did wrong. It did work in VMware.

 

[MacAndy74]

You will not have any problems running XP
Just make sure you have SP2

Print the Boot Camp Assistant instructions and follow them
Make sure to install the drivers (steps included in instructions)

Back up your data before you start

Woof, Woof - Dawg

Thanks for the tip. I just checked and I have Windows XP SP3.
Going to do Bootcamping tonight. All my data is nice and safe

 

[MacAndy74]

I chose XP because I wanted to save HD space. I wouldn't bother with Vista, if you want the latest and greatest, just wait for Windows, which will be cheaper, faster, and more lightweight than Vista.

UT3 works great on my 8600M GT laptop with XP.

Just out of curiosity. How much space did you give XP?
I was thinking giving XP maybe 5 GB + another 5GB for Virtual Memory, then 5GB per game I want to install. I hope my logic makes some sense.

 

[iNassar]

Just out of curiosity. How much space did you give XP?
I was thinking giving XP maybe 5 GB + another 5GB for Virtual Memory, then 5GB per game I want to install. I hope my logic makes some sense.

yeah that´s ok just keep in mind that some sistem files may rise up to 2 gb like hiber.sys and others

 

[MacAndy74]

yeah that´s ok just keep in mind that some sistem files may rise up to 2 gb like hiber.sys and others

I may just give Bootcamp 60GB and be done with it. Just really sucks I have to install Windows on my MBP.

 

[VPrime]

I have tried XP, vista, and 7.
I think I will be going back to XP because it fits my needs better.

I needed some thing to run my windows only programs, but also be able to run them quickly in a virtual machine.
Running Vista and 7 in bootcamp alone was fine.. But when I try to launch them in a VM they were much to slow for my tastes.

So in your case you really would be fine with any of the versions of windows. Vista and 7 may be better for gaming because of direct X 10 but those games are all fine on DX9..

 

[MacAndy74]

So in your case you really would be fine with any of the versions of windows. Vista and 7 may be better for gaming because of direct X 10 but those games are all fine on DX9..

I also have an unused license of Windows Vista SP2 too. I'm just concerned about Vista. Last time I ran it was before I switched to Mac and the reason I switched to Mac (amongst many others) was Vista.

 

[VPrime]

I also have an unused license of Windows Vista SP2 too. I'm just concerned about Vista. Last time I ran it was before I switched to Mac and the reason I switched to Mac (amongst many others) was Vista.

As long as you have a computer fast enough to run it then it is fine (IMO)...

 

[ditzy]

Is there a reason that windows 7 isn't an option? If I were you that is the way that I would go.

 

[r.j.s]

Is there a reason that windows 7 isn't an option? If I were you that is the way that I would go.

I second this. Grab a copy of the RC, unless you don't want to upgrade next year. In that case, I'd go for XP if you are going to be gaming.

 

[Stridder44]

My requirements for Windows on Bootcamp are really basic. All I want to do is run Bioshock and Sims 3, perhaps UT3 too. I was looking at Windows XP SP3 instead of using Windows Vista. My MBP spec is in the signatre. Also, are both Windows XP and Vista both well supported under Bootcamp

If you already have an XP disc, stick with XP and wait for Windows 7 to be released this October. Vista, unless you already own it, is not worth buying at this point. Vista is a great OS (especially now that it's matured so much) but there's just no point in blowing the money on it with 7 right around the corner.

Or, as others have suggested, download the Windows 7 RC (release candidate) for free and run it until you get your copy of Windows 7. It's faster than XP or Vista and the RC won't expire until summer of 2010. If all else fails, you can still switch back to XP.