Technology Parallels on a Mac

[scottyhoop]

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So I just bought a MacBook and am now starting the process of getting it ready to run windows apps. I've heard people on here mention Parallels and one other app that allows you to run PC apps on a Mac. Any of you willing to help me out with this once I begin the process and have issues? I've been a Mac user for years, and have never had to worry about crossing over platforms before so I'm a bit apprehensive about the whole process. I guess to start I need to know what exactly I will need to get the ball rolling. I guess a copy of Windows (which is better-vista or XP?) and Parallels. Those of you that are using this set up will be of great help. Thanks in advance!!

Scotty

 

[Pinkertinkle]

You can install windows without parallels. First you need a copy of windows. Run bootcamp on your macbook and follow the directions. You'll be asked to decide how much of your hard disk space you'd like to devote to the windows partition.

After you've installed windows with bootcamp install parallels so you can run them both at the same time, otherwise you can switch between then by restarting.

 

[scottyhoop]

You can install windows without parallels. First you need a copy of windows. Run bootcamp on your macbook and follow the directions. You'll be asked to decide how much of your hard disk space you'd like to devote to the windows partition.

After you've installed windows with bootcamp install parallels so you can run them both at the same time, otherwise you can switch between then by restarting.

Thanks Pinker...do you know about how large of a partition I will have to make for windows or does it depend on what windows apps I will be running? I guess I'm wondering if I should wait and see how much windows use I will need before setting it up, or should I do it now? Thanks so much for your help!
Scotty

 

[DCRedskinsRule]

VMware Fusion allows you to run windows simultaneously as an open application while OSX is running, and if you use spaces, you can literally have one screen running windows and the other OSX and you can copy documents and drag them from one to the other. The other great thing about VMware Fusion is that while running windows, if you move your mouse to the top of the screen, the hidden Mac menu bar drops down so you still have full Mac functionality on windows...and it all runs so unbelievably seamlessly. 👍👍

 

[scottyhoop]

VMware Fusion allows you to run windows simultaneously as an open application while OSX is running, and if you use spaces, you can literally have one screen running windows and the other OSX and you can copy documents and drag them from one to the other. The other great thing about VMware Fusion is that while running windows, if you move your mouse to the top of the screen, the hidden Mac menu bar drops down so you still have full Mac functionality on windows...and it all runs so unbelievably seamlessly. 👍👍

One of the Mac Store employees also recommended Fusion. I'll have to check into it. I believe Fusion and Parallels are the same price. Thanks for the input!!

Scotty

 

[Pinkertinkle]

Thanks Pinker...do you know about how large of a partition I will have to make for windows or does it depend on what windows apps I will be running? I guess I'm wondering if I should wait and see how much windows use I will need before setting it up, or should I do it now? Thanks so much for your help!
Scotty

How much space you devote depends on how much storage you plan to use. I split my macbook p half and half. If you expect to be using windows more, give it more and visa versa if you plan to use the mac more. As for fusion vs parallels I've read that parallels is a bit faster. See http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/03/05/vmware.fusion.vs.parallels/

 

[SatanicMonkey]

For D School, it's really just a better option to install Windows on Boot Camp rather than trying to virtualize it. There are probably going to be a host of programs the school will want you to install that will be windows-only. First off, if they are graphics intensive then you will want all resources dedicated to windows. Secondly, it's a bit of a PITA when some applications (direct x) don't work well with parallels/fusion. Go with a boot camp install.. although I would recommend a custom XP with a smaller footprint.. maybe TinyXP or MicroXP rather than Pro or Home. And dedicate at least 32 gb because boot camp does not like formatting ntfs if it doesn't have to.

 

[Lurchdubious]

VMware Fusion allows you to run windows simultaneously as an open application while OSX is running, and if you use spaces, you can literally have one screen running windows and the other OSX and you can copy documents and drag them from one to the other. The other great thing about VMware Fusion is that while running windows, if you move your mouse to the top of the screen, the hidden Mac menu bar drops down so you still have full Mac functionality on windows...and it all runs so unbelievably seamlessly. 👍👍

x 1,000!! Don't listen to anyone else, Scotty 😉. I'm running XP with Fusion, I allocated about 40 gb to win-blows, I think. It really does run great with Fusion. I put Parallels on my wife's blackbook and I HATE it. Fusion is much better. ALSO, not sure if parallels has an education discount, but you can get Fusion for half price w/student discount. ($40). Yes, you could save $40 and just use boot camp, but when you need to switch between OSX and PC there is absolutely no better way than with Fusion and Spaces mentioned above. This was particularly helpful for me here at VCU in the first semester when I had Dental Anatomy and the CD-ROM is Windoze only. You can switch back & forth seamlessly. PM me if you have any questions at all.

 

[lotexigeus]

<- happy parallels user

 

[DCRedskinsRule]

x 1,000!! Don't listen to anyone else, Scotty 😉. I'm running XP with Fusion, I allocated about 40 gb to win-blows, I think. It really does run great with Fusion. I put Parallels on my wife's blackbook and I HATE it. Fusion is much better. ALSO, not sure if parallels has an education discount, but you can get Fusion for half price w/student discount. ($40). Yes, you could save $40 and just use boot camp, but when you need to switch between OSX and PC there is absolutely no better way than with Fusion and Spaces mentioned above. This was particularly helpful for me here at VCU in the first semester when I had Dental Anatomy and the CD-ROM is Windoze only. You can switch back & forth seamlessly. PM me if you have any questions at all.

I'm glad I have a fan =). And likewise, PM me if you have any questions as well. 👍

 

[wigglytooth]

Moving to tech forum.

 

[Lurchdubious]

I'm glad I have a fan =). And likewise, PM me if you have any questions as well. 👍

Lol. Well, I'm more a fan of Fusion, I guess, but whatever sprinkles your cookie 😉

 

[Slevin]

Fusion is better than parallels... 😀

 

[southerndoc]

Also a fan of Fusion. More stable and faster in my opinion (I've used both).