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gamerw00t

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 1, 2009
32
0
I'm going to college this fall for engineering, and I'm getting a Macbook Pro. I will most likely need to have a Windows OS on my MBP to run certain programs.

Should I get XP, Vista, or should I wait for Windows 7?

If I should get Vista, should I get Home Basic or Home Premium or what?
 

MacDawg

Moderator emeritus
Mar 20, 2004
19,823
4,504
"Between the Hedges"
I am running Vista...

Having said that, I would recommend you get Windows 7 now... it is a free download, and you will have plenty of time to buy the retail version when it comes out.

If you choose not to install Windows 7 now, I would suggest XP over Vista. It would be cheaper, and would most likely do anything you need.

But that's just me...

Woof, Woof - Dawg
pawprint.gif
 

Tomorrow

macrumors 604
Mar 2, 2008
7,160
1,365
Always a day away
Follow this advice:

Once you're enrolled in college, go to the school's computer store and see if they have any discounts on Microsoft software.

When I was in graduate school we were able to get virtually anything from Microsoft for $5 a disk, as long as it was software the university was putting on its own computers - Windows, Office, Visual Studio, etc.

Download Windows 7 for free, use that until you can go to the computer store on your campus. You might save a ton of cash.
 

slpdLoad

macrumors 6502a
Jun 10, 2009
664
0
Whatever your school gives you for free. Use the Win 7 RC until your school gets the released version.
 

mobilehaathi

macrumors G3
Aug 19, 2008
9,368
6,353
The Anthropocene
Follow this advice:

Once you're enrolled in college, go to the school's computer store and see if they have any discounts on Microsoft software.

When I was in graduate school we were able to get virtually anything from Microsoft for $5 a disk, as long as it was software the university was putting on its own computers - Windows, Office, Visual Studio, etc.

Download Windows 7 for free, use that until you can go to the computer store on your campus. You might save a ton of cash.

This, definitely.
 

Stridder44

macrumors 68040
Mar 24, 2003
3,973
198
California
Follow this advice:

Once you're enrolled in college, go to the school's computer store and see if they have any discounts on Microsoft software.

When I was in graduate school we were able to get virtually anything from Microsoft for $5 a disk, as long as it was software the university was putting on its own computers - Windows, Office, Visual Studio, etc.

Download Windows 7 for free, use that until you can go to the computer store on your campus. You might save a ton of cash.

x2. Good advice here. Wait it out for Windows 7. Vista and XP are both bunk choices at this point.
 

LtRammstein

macrumors 6502a
Jun 20, 2006
570
0
Denver, CO
Most engineering departments are either sticking with XP SP3 or are going to Windows 7 64-bit.

My ECE Department is getting brand new i7 Dell machines with Windows 7 64-bit for the fall.

I recommend going with Vista 64-bit or Windows 7 64-bit. Also, check to see if you can get a free copy of either from your university.
 

Unprocessed1

macrumors 65816
Jun 23, 2008
1,389
58
Windows 7 is a REALLY smooth and beautiful OS. Just go with the RC and then buy the retail version when it comes back. You won't have to deal with the BS of Vista either.
 
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