Parallels 5: Windows XP vs Windows 7

[LonezWolf1991]

Hello,
I have the Mid 2009 Macbook pro (2.8GHz Dual core, 4GB Ram, 500GB 7200RPM) and I recently got Parallels 5. My question is, should I use Windows XP or Windows 7? 32bit or 64bit? This would be VM only (No bootcamp) and I would be allocating 2GB ram and 1 core of the processor to the VM. I need Windows for school stuff, mainly Visual Studio 2010 and Matlab, as well as light gaming every now and then (older games like Worms, Call of duty 1, Gothic 2). Which of the two would be best? Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

Windows XP is lighter and smaller so it could be better for VM. Windows 7 is much better though, come on XP is like 10 years old. I have Windows 7 and it works just fine

 

[GadgetGeek71]

I would go for the W7 install. You'll be happy you did.

 

[LonezWolf1991]

Since Windows 7 is better, then which version would be best for a VM with 2GB ram? 32 or 64?

 

[GadgetGeek71]

I'd stick with the 32GB. If you decide to upgrade to 4GB, 64bit W7 will work fine.