VirtualBox

[Earlet9]

Hey guys. Just wondering if anyone uses virtual box to run Windows on their Mac. I am getting a Macbook Pro on Friday, and I want to install Windows 7 on it immediately. I don't plan on doing anything drastic with 7. Would Virtual Box be sufficient, or do I absolutely need VMWare or Parallels?

 

[rowsdower]

I use VirtualBox to run XP on my MBP with no problems. I don't need it much and it's tough to beat the price. A quick google search shows that people are using Windows 7, but I haven't tried it personally.

 

[celticpride678]

I used to have it setup with XP, but removed it because I didn't use it. The only thing I would be careful about is RAM management and speed.

 

[Earlet9]

what exactly is the difference between, say, VMWare or Virtualbox? Or Parallels and Virtualbox? Sorry, this will be my first Mac, and I'm just trying to get ready...

 

[rye9]

Google to find out.

I did myself since I was curious of the same thing; and I've gathered that surprisingly, the free VirtualBox is snappier than its $80 counterparts, however if you need it for more business-like uses, then Parallels or VMWare might be better. But for light personal use, go for VirtualBox. I just made that decision today... no more eyeing VMWare for me. Already downloaded VB.

 

[Earlet9]

So two questions... 1. Should I install Windows 7 through bootcamp too, or how would that work? and 2, what would be the recommended RAM and hard drive size for the Windows 7 partition? Again, first time doing something like this. My Macbook Pro will be the low end 15"

 

[Steve-M]

So two questions... 1. Should I install Windows 7 through bootcamp too, or how would that work? and 2, what would be the recommended RAM and hard drive size for the Windows 7 partition? Again, first time doing something like this. My Macbook Pro will be the low end 15"

I would just install it in VirtualBox to begin with. When you are creating the virtual machine, VB will make memory and virtual drive size recommendations. You can tweak a bit if you like, or accept the defaults.

My current virtual machine inventory includes, DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, Windows XP, Ubuntu 9.04, and gOS 3.1 Gadgets. VirtualBox runs them all with out problem.

Virtualization is a great way to check out a new OS like Windows 7. But to be honest, when I have work to do, I use my Mac

 

[Earlet9]

Haha I plan on doing just about everything on OS X, but a guy can be curious and I am curious as to what 7 has to offer. Thanks for your help guys