Windows 7- VMWare or Boot Camp?

[markojug]

I am eager to install Windows 7 on my Mac as it looks really good.

I am wondering wether to install it using Boot Camp or VMWare. It will be mostly used for gaming and other projects such as Microsoft Publisher.

Which is easier and safer, Boot Camp or VMWare?

Thanks

 

[eawmp1]

Boot Camp - go native!

 

[markojug]

Boot camp was my option... just wanted to hear some other answers.

 

[MacDawg]

If you intend to game... Boot Camp

Follow the directions in the Boot Camp Assistant
And backup your data before you start

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Rodus]

Dawg is right, follow the Bootcamp instructions to the letter cos it's easy to screw up and get a non-functioning install. Virtualization is pretty useless for gaming so you need to go native for this.

 

[VirtualRain]

You could do both. Install it via bootcamp and then utilize that install via VMware as needed. The former is best for games, but the latter may be useful for checking something from within OSX or while working on Publisher and other productivity apps between the two operating systems.

 

[elgrecomac]

One man's opinion..

I am a big fan of VMware's Fusion because I use MS Project and MS Visio where all my other apps are mac-based. I like not having to re-boot to get to windows-only apps. I really don't want to waste the time.

The whole gaming thing really forces you to go to bootcamp: Fusion is a great product for most windows-only business apps but is AWFUL for gaming.



Bases on other replies, it looks like you'll be heading to bootcamp!

 

[gumbyx84]

I agree that using BootCamp is a better choice for gaming, but that's only if you are playing "modern" or graphic intense games. I use a Win7 RC VM to play a bunch of old school and indie games and don't run into issues. I know when most people say "gaming" they mean Crysis-level stuff, but remember that someone could just be looking for a way to play Peggle, and VMing would be an option.

Note: I don't know if there is a Mac version of Peggle. Just used it as an example of a recent game that would play without much issue in a VM.

 

[Rodus]

^^good point, Dawn of War actually is playable in VMWare.

 

[markojug]

Thanks for your help guys.

When you guys say back up my data, freaks me out lol

I use Time Machine every hour or so I should be okay right?

What happens if something does go wrong... like the disk doesn't partition properly? Or if I can't boot into Leopard?

Thanks

P.S. Sorry for the late response, been busy all day.

 

[eawmp1]

Thanks for your help guys.

When you guys say back up my data, freaks me out lol

I use Time Machine every hour or so I should be okay right?

What happens if something does go wrong... like the disk doesn't partition properly? Or if I can't boot into Leopard?

Thanks

P.S. Sorry for the late response, been busy all day.

Chill, you have a backup. If there were a significant % of people fracking up their HD with Boot Camp, Apple would've pulled the plug a LONG time ago.

 

[Stridder44]

For gaming, Boot Camp hands down.

People say "back up your data", which honestly is something you should be doing already, but for Boot Camp's sake you don't really need to worry.