Installing Windows 7 on Mac 10.7.4

[Rover-dude]

Hey Everybody!
So, I just ordered Windows 7 through my college's bookstore and it will be coming in a couple of days. So, I was originally going to install it on a External HD, but I found out MAC can't boot from an external device.

Now, my first question is how should I install it? I was originally going to use Boot Camp, but I also read https://www.virtualbox.org/ was good. So any suggestions? By the way, I really don't want to buy Parallel Software, I'd rather use Boot camp.

My second question is, if I use Boot Camp, how big of a Partition should I make. I have a 500GB HDD installed, I am currently using about 80GB for files and apps. However, I am majoring in Systems and Networking support, and if everything goes smooth, this will be my main computer for class.

Next semester I am taking Windows Scripting, Web Design, CAD I, and Networking 1. This will be the only computer I use for web Design.

Then again, I do have a 1TB External drive that I can always use, but I want enough where I don't have to use that all the time.

Thank you in advance.

[JoelBC]

Originally Posted by Rover-dude

Now, my first question is how should I install it? I was originally going to use Boot Camp, but I also read https://www.virtualbox.org/ was good. So any suggestions? By the way, I really don't want to buy Parallel Software, I'd rather use Boot camp.

I started using VirtualBox last week for the first time...I now have virtual machines for both Windows 7 and Windows 8...I would have no hesitation going the VirtualBox route particualrly since you do not want to spend money on Parallels.

I do recommend reading through the first 50 pages or so of the VirtualBox manual in the event that you have never used virtualization software before as it will help get you sorted.

And here are the links to two recent and related threads on VirtualBox that I started...again, can say enough good things about it...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1491502

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1487906

Again, I can not stress enough the need to read the first 50+ pages on the manual which are very easy to follow and well written...digest them and you will be a VirtualBox Pro.

Joel

PS. If you have any questions please let me know.