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sergiuria
May 12, 2009, 05:59 AM
There a a couple of programs I need to use for college, and they are only available for Windows :(

What do you guys recommend? VMware? Parallel? Bootcamp? Other? and why?

Thanks for the help!


GuntherS
May 12, 2009, 06:20 AM
What programs are we talking about?
CPU/GPU intensive tasks better run natively with Bootcamp.
For small programs that require less power, you can use Parallels or Fusion.
sergiuria
May 12, 2009, 06:22 AM
What programs are we talking about?
CPU/GPU intensive tasks better run natively with Bootcamp.
For small programs that require less power, you can use Parallels or Fusion.

They are rather simple programs, one being "Raptor .rap" But nothing too intense on the computer.

What are the diferences on Parallel and VMware? is there any?
eXan
May 12, 2009, 08:11 AM
Bootcamp for performance (games)
Desktop for convenience.

Thats how i use it.
JNB
May 12, 2009, 09:09 AM
What are the diferences on Parallel and VMware? is there any?

Mostly the same, match up fairly well feature for feature. I used to use Parallels, been on VMWare's Fusion for a couple years now.

I prefer Fusion because it gives me the ability to run additional virtual machines provided by work that were created with our corporate instance (Windows) of VMWare. The .vmdk files (virtual disks) created are platform-agnostic, so I don't need anything additional to support a multitude of platforms and applications that I train.
scienide09
May 12, 2009, 10:28 AM
You can also try VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/). It does the same basic virtualization as Fusion or Parallels, but doesn't have some of the extra features, such as unity-mode.

The trade off is balanced by the fact that VirtualBox is free, while the others will cost you some money.
sergiuria
May 12, 2009, 12:36 PM
but doesn't have some of the extra features, such as unity-mode.

Read it, but didn't understand what it was. Care to explain?

Thanks everyone!
sergiuria
May 12, 2009, 01:39 PM
Got it now! it's pretty cool!! but, I'm not going to pay $70 for just that :p
scienide09
May 12, 2009, 03:01 PM
Read it, but didn't understand what it was. Care to explain?

Thanks everyone!

Got it now! it's pretty cool!! but, I'm not going to pay $70 for just that :p

I'll assume that means you wanted an explanation of unity-mode, but with a little more digging you sorted it out for yourself. Kudos for being proactive!

I've virtualized an RC of Windows 7 on my MacBook, but found it wanting. When I moved it to my MBP (with more RAM), things were better. I should be getting a copy of WinXP in the next couple of weeks, at which point I'll probably go the BootCamp route.
Toofan
May 12, 2009, 03:51 PM
There a a couple of programs I need to use for college, and they are only available for Windows :(

What do you guys recommend? VMware? Parallel? Bootcamp? Other? and why?

Thanks for the help!

It depends...
If you want to run only one OS at a time, use Bootcamp for free.
If you want to run two OS's at one time...
Use parallels if you're less concerned about fluid movement between OS's
Use VM Fusion if you're more concerned about fluid movement between OS's

VM Fusion is slightly more expensive the Paralleling software, but if you've got a newer Mac, you won't regret Fusion.

So 2 things to keep in mind...
1) System specs make a HUGE difference when running multiple OS's simultaneously
2) Do you even need two OS's to be running simultaneously?
sergiuria
May 12, 2009, 06:12 PM
I don't need them running at the same time, but it would certainly be easier and more comfortable.
budkid
May 12, 2009, 06:46 PM
IF you use bootcamp, i recommend you use rEFIt. So you will be able to choose which partition to run at startup.
eXan
May 12, 2009, 10:57 PM
IF you use bootcamp, i recommend you use rEFIt. So you will be able to choose which partition to run at startup.

No, you don't need anything.

Just press and hold the Alt (Option) key after the startup sound and choose whichever you need it to boot.
Houls
May 15, 2009, 04:45 PM
I'm using Virtual Box to run XP OS X. I need to run Windows specific software for some work stuff so I went this route. I downloaded VBox (free) installed a copy of XP that I already owned (free) upgraded my MacBook RAM to 4GB ($50) and dedicated 1GB of that RAM to run XP. All in all I ended up with a pretty sweet dual machine for less than it cost for Parallels or Fusion and I also maxed out my RAM for optimal performance. Win Win as far as I'm concerned. Good Luck.
elgrecomac
May 18, 2009, 12:36 AM
You can also try VirtualBox (http://www.virtualbox.org/). It does the same basic virtualization as Fusion or Parallels, but doesn't have some of the extra features, such as unity-mode.

The trade off is balanced by the fact that VirtualBox is free, while the others will cost you some money.

It is not as fast nor anywhere near as stable as Fusion. I feel it is a classic case of you get what you paid for....:eek:
elgrecomac
May 18, 2009, 12:39 AM
It depends...
If you want to run only one OS at a time, use Bootcamp for free.
If you want to run two OS's at one time...
Use parallels if you're less concerned about fluid movement between OS's
Use VM Fusion if you're more concerned about fluid movement between OS's

VM Fusion is slightly more expensive the Paralleling software, but if you've got a newer Mac, you won't regret Fusion.

So 2 things to keep in mind...
1) System specs make a HUGE difference when running multiple OS's simultaneously
2) Do you even need two OS's to be running simultaneously?


Be careful....you are going to Law School, the Exam-taking software doesnt not work well with Fusion or Parallels. Bootcamp will be you only choice.