There are many ways to run Windows on a Mac. As more and more Windows people switch, more of them will still want to use Windows for various apps and programs. This guide runs through all of the options with their pros and cons.


Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac (PowerPC Only)

Not a great option, but one of the few for PowerPC people. Emulates a PC chip and runs Windows in a separate window on the OS X desktop. It can be bought with a copy of Windows included. Copy of Windows is required.

Pros: Can use both OS's at the same time
Cons: High price, very slow

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/product...?pid=virtualpc


Apple Boot Camp (Intel Only)

An installer created by Apple that runs you through installing Windows on your Intel equipped Mac. It creates a partition and installs Windows on that partition. Copy of Windows XP SP2 is required.

Pros: Full speed, actually running Windows (no emulation involved)
Cons: Reboot is required to switch between OS X and Windows

http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/


Parallels Desktop for Mac (Intel Only)

An app that installs Windows but runs it in its own Window. You can use it and OS X at the same time. It can also install some older versions of Windows as well as Linux. Copy of Windows XP SP2 is required.

Pros: Close to full speed, Can use both OS's at the same time
Cons: Requires a lot of RAM

http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/


CrossOver Mac (Intel Only)

An app that lets you install and run Windows applications without Windows. Copy of Windows is not required.

Pros: Low price/free, Do not have to purchase a copy of Windows
Cons: You don't have Windows

http://www.codeweavers.com/beta/cxmac/


Darwine/WINE (PowerPC or Intel)

Similar to CrossOver Mac. Lets you run Windows applications without Windows. Copy of Windows is not required.

Pros: Low price/free, Do not have to purchase a copy of Windows
Cons: You don't have Windows

http://darwine.opendarwin.org/


All additional information/comments/suggestions are welcome.

-Chris