Bootcamp or virtualization?

Sudmeister · Sudmeister #1 (**permalink**)

10-08-2013, 01:43 AM

I am wanting to install Windows 7 onto my macbook, but am unsure which is the best way to do so. I have done some reading and it says that one can download softwares that allow to parallel between mac and windows, but then there is also bootcamp. It also said that this 'virtualization' is easier than duel-booting. The reason why I want to run Windows on my mac, is so I can play PC games. Can I play PC games on my mac with the parallel option? Also, what is the best way of getting a copy of Windows 7? Would that be to buy a copy of the disk?

Thanks a lot

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

10-08-2013, 03:22 AM

If you intend to play games on your MacBook, using Boot Camp to setup a dual boot would be best. And yes, you have to purchase a full install copy of Windows 7. Make sure it's a full install version as an upgrade version may not work right. Follow the Boot Camp Assistant instructions that are on your MacBook.

Raz0rEdge · Raz0rEdge #3 (**permalink**)

10-08-2013, 10:48 AM

While the virtualization softwares Parallels and VMWare Fusion are adding better graphics support for games and stuff, they just don't compare to running Windows natively on the Mac for gaming. And as chscag said, if gaming is your priority, then Boot Camp will get you the best performance..

You might, however, want to make sure you read a little bit about Boot Camp before doing the work and ensure you have a good backup of your current hard drive contents. Boot Camp is going to partition your HD to create space for Windows and a lot of people have managed to lose data on the OS X side without realizing it..

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #4 (**permalink**)

10-08-2013, 06:55 PM

Increase memory to 8GB and purchase Windows 7 64bit to be able to access full memory. Think BootCamp will give better results.

Sudmeister · Sudmeister #5 (**permalink**)

10-15-2013, 07:36 AM

Okay, thank you

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 42,639 Mac Specs: 27" iMac i5, 3.2 GHz, iPad 3, iPhone 5c, 3 iPods, Yosemite	10-08-2013, 03:22 AM If you intend to play games on your MacBook, using Boot Camp to setup a dual boot would be best. And yes, you have to purchase a full install copy of Windows 7. Make sure it's a full install version as an upgrade version may not work right. Follow the Boot Camp Assistant instructions that are on your MacBook. COMMUNITY RULES Writing a Quality Post
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harryb2448 #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 18,810 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz, 16GB memory, OS 10.10.2	10-08-2013, 06:55 PM Increase memory to 8GB and purchase Windows 7 64bit to be able to access full memory. Think BootCamp will give better results. *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

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Sudmeister #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 18, 2012 Location: Perth WA Posts: 33 Mac Specs: MacBook 13" 2.4 GHz C2D, 2GB RAM, 250GB 5400 RPM, 256MB VRAM, 8X DL	10-08-2013, 01:43 AM I am wanting to install Windows 7 onto my macbook, but am unsure which is the best way to do so. I have done some reading and it says that one can download softwares that allow to parallel between mac and windows, but then there is also bootcamp. It also said that this 'virtualization' is easier than duel-booting. The reason why I want to run Windows on my mac, is so I can play PC games. Can I play PC games on my mac with the parallel option? Also, what is the best way of getting a copy of Windows 7? Would that be to buy a copy of the disk? Thanks a lot
	QUOTE Thanks

Sudmeister #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 18, 2012 Location: Perth WA Posts: 33 Mac Specs: MacBook 13" 2.4 GHz C2D, 2GB RAM, 250GB 5400 RPM, 256MB VRAM, 8X DL	10-15-2013, 07:36 AM Okay, thank you
	QUOTE Thanks

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