I need some windows options

[MiniD3]

Mainly for updating devices like, 4X4 GPS/boat GPS/sounders/photographic devices that need firmware updates, only on a windows unfortunately

I do have Windows 7 disc that has never been used

Questions,
Do I have to partition the Mac?
Can I just open the Mac in windows when I need it?........hope to not use windows too often
How do I load windows?

I have been trying to avoid this but now I find my speed light triggers need firmware updates which is only windows

I'm guessing I'll only use it, (windose) for the occasion update perhaps once a year at most

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Perhaps you could avoid the hassle of installing Windows 7 as a boot (partition) option on Mac HDD/SSD and needing to reboot into Windows each time you need to update FW or edit something on your Windows side.

I would like to advise you to download the trial version of VMWare Fusion 8.x. While you're working on your Mac, you can just - at the same time - fire up you Windows 7 Virtual Machine and do the stuff you need Windows 7 for.

I use VMware Fusion 8 for the same reason, highly recommended! Good luck.

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Perhaps you could avoid the hassle of installing Windows 7 as a boot (partition) option on Mac HDD/SSD and needing to reboot into Windows each time you need to update FW or edit something on your Windows side.

I would like to advise you to download the trial version of VMWare Fusion 8.x. While you're working on your Mac, you can just - at the same time - fire up you Windows 7 Virtual Machine and do the stuff you need Windows 7 for.

I use VMware Fusion 8 for the same reason, highly recommended! Good luck.

Cheers

Tks for the detailed reply,
How does VMWare Fusion 8.x. compare with parallels? Or are they different types of software?

Lastly,
I have 2 macs, a MBP and an iMac,
Which one should I load the windows on, or doesn't it really matter?

 

[m4v3r1ck]

You're most welcome! I've never used Parallels, so no hands-on comparison available here. I've been using Fusion since 2009 and it has never ever let me down for what ever reason!

Please check the latest release notes and buying options for VMware Fusion, perhaps now-a-days you can install it on multiple Macs or get a good deal for it.

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Tks will have a look now!

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Additional info's!: In case you really like to install Windows 7 on a partition/seperate drive on your Mac, you can also still use VMware Fusion by inserting this partition/drive in Fusion and work on both macOS and Windows 7 at the same time.

If you need some more in-depth info's I could share some screenshots here with you.

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Tks, had a look at parallels/Fusion, the fusion is over twice the price of parallels,
Now thinking of updating devices on a friends machine, an investment of over $200 for a few updates sounds like a bad investment

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Sure, no problem! It was worth a try.

Cheers m8!

 

[MiniD3]

Still appreciate you input,
I think it is still an option but a little more expensive than i thought

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Still appreciate you input,
I think it is still an option but a little more expensive than i thought

I fully understand you POV! My reasoning is, that a very solid VM software application has a great and very fast ROI!

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

All good, haven't rules anything out yet
2-4 mth fishing/photographic tour coming up, will re-visit on return

 

[m4v3r1ck]

All good, haven't rules anything out yet
2-4 mth fishing/photographic tour coming up, will re-visit on return

Good luck and have a nice trip!

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Tks, most probably take off in about 6 weeks, no date set
I would say the only reason for even thinking windows is updating firmware for the many "toys"

Thinking outside the square, perhaps a new, cheap laptop may be an option?

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Yep, that is a good idea too! Hand-candy to take it along with your trip(s)

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

I was looking at the pro version, the standard 8.5 is about the same as Parallels
Now looking like a viable option
If I can do all this on an external hdd, I think this is the direction I will go
Still doing the math though...........separate windows machine sounds more secure!

 

[Altis]

I was looking at the pro version, the standard 8.5 is about the same as Parallels
Now looking like a viable option
If I can do all this on an external hdd, I think this is the direction I will go
Still doing the math though...........separate windows machine sounds more secure!

Just use VirtualBox. It's open-source and free. You don't need all the features of Parallels or VMware.

https://www.virtualbox.org/

You just "create new virtual machine", "from DVD", allocate the space, and you're good to go with installing the virtual machine.

Alternatively, partition some space on your hard drive and install Windows on there via bootcamp.

I'd use the iMac/MBP that has a disc drive and extra space on the hard drive.

The only thing about using virtual machines is to remember that any device you connect (say via USB), you usually have to tell it to connect to the VM as the host OS and virtual OS can't both be using it at the same time.

 

[MiniD3]

Can you do that on an external HDD instead of using the Mac SSD?

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Can you do that on an external HDD instead of using the Mac SSD?

My experience is that a (Fusion) VM can be booted/maintained from an external HDD/SSD. Please take in consideration to use a fast connection for that. I use a PCIe eSATA 6Gbs add-on card and ditto external enclosure!

EDIT: when installing the VM directly from your Windows 7 media, just select the external HDD/SSD for saving it! That's all.

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Tks for the heads-up
have been doing a lot of research from "mr youtube"
Looks like it can be done
How does this compare with just using bootcamp ?
I only have a 750GB SSD (late 2012), my concern is about partitioning the SSD and the limited space I have,
and of course, the problems of viruses associated with having windows on the machine
.........Gary

 

[m4v3r1ck]

A fresh Windows 7 install, upgraded to 10 only takes ~ 30GB of space. You can of course install it using Bootcamp. But, for your planned use of it, I'd recommend skipping the BC headaches and install in a VM residing on an external disk.
1. Just keep the macOS disk as clean-and-mean as possible.
2. You can take it with you on your trips.

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Thank you,
So,
If I purchase an external SSD,
(I already have windows 7 dvd)
and
If I purchase VM ware, then to have windows installed externally on the external SSD?

Im guessing the Mac is still clean? But just using the monitor?

have I read this correctly?
Sorry, I'm Ok with LR and PS but my geek skills are zero, unfortunately ...........just too old

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Yep!

1. Install VMware
2. Install Windows 7 from DVD
3. During install save VM as "yourVM" on external
4. Close VM
5. Check all settings/preferences for your Windows 7 VM
6. Enjoy your VM for tweaking the firmwares of your outdoor gear!

Cheers

 

[MiniD3]

Much appreciated, thank you for all your help,
I think this will be a great solution

 

[m4v3r1ck]

Much appreciated, thank you for all your help,
I think this will be a great solution

Your welcome, glad to be of help! If you have any questions/issues during your install and/or setup, just let me know here!

Cheers, have a nice weekend!

 

[MiniD3]

Thank you,
The only thing that would change my mind is if the wife gets a new windows machine,
That could be another option, only that she has a different email address than me, and could be some conflict perhaps unless I work something out at the other end?
Anyway, still sounds good,
Will work it out on return