Running Windows on a Mac: A Switcher's Guide

flightstick · Oct 17, 2009

Dual Boot

Guys,

I have installed XP Sp 2 through Bootcamp3. I there anyway of booting into a boot screen where you have the options of selecting your operating system.

cwa107 · Oct 17, 2009

Yes, press and hold the Option key immediately after turning on your system. Then you can choose the appropriate boot partition. You can later set the default boot partition in either System Preferences => Startup Disk (on OS X) or in Control Panel => Boot Camp (Windows).

Darckq · Nov 1, 2009

Voipbuster Pro

Hey, I switched to MacBook in June and I just love it. It litterally changed my life, I hate pc's, every pc I ever had runned slowly, crashing, every PC, I've never kept a pc functionning properly for a long time.

Anyways, I would love to be able to use Voipbuster Pro because of the cheaper sms and phone calls I can make. Unfortunately it does not work on Mac. What would be the best alternative to use this windows program? If installing windows gives me the risk of getting virus or ruining my mac, I won't do it. But being able to run Voipbuster Pro would be great because phone costs are pretty expensive here in Belgium (for me at least) and Voipbuster pro was really an interesting alternative.

cwa107 · Nov 1, 2009

Darckq said:
Hey, I switched to MacBook in June and I just love it. It litterally changed my life, I hate pc's, every pc I ever had runned slowly, crashing, every PC, I've never kept a pc functionning properly for a long time.

Anyways, I would love to be able to use Voipbuster Pro because of the cheaper sms and phone calls I can make. Unfortunately it does not work on Mac. What would be the best alternative to use this windows program? If installing windows gives me the risk of getting virus or ruining my mac, I won't do it. But being able to run Voipbuster Pro would be great because phone costs are pretty expensive here in Belgium (for me at least) and Voipbuster pro was really an interesting alternative.

Probably using virtualization software would be the easiest way to go. Look into VirtualBox, a free virtualization package. You will, unfortunately, have to purchase a copy of Windows to do so.

eileenmarina · Nov 3, 2009

Windows 7 on imac without a disc

Hello,
I am having trouble installing Windows 7 on my imac. I qualified for the student discount and I can download Windows 7 straight from the website so I don't receive a disc.

Can someone please give me instructions on how to install it from there. I can't do it from Bootcamp.

Thank you.

donnars11 · Nov 19, 2009

Installing Windows 7 pro onto Imac (2008)

I am upgrading my RAM from 2 gig to 4, installing Parallels and then installing windows7 pro. I have a 24"IMAC that is one year old, intel processor. I'm wondering if it matters which windows 7 version I install. Pro seems to be middle of the road but nothing I read says which one to use (home, pro, or ultimate). Anyone see anything wrong with what I am about to do here?
Thanks Donnars11

cwa107 · Nov 19, 2009

donnars11 said:
I am upgrading my RAM from 2 gig to 4, installing Parallels and then installing windows7 pro. I have a 24"IMAC that is one year old, intel processor. I'm wondering if it matters which windows 7 version I install. Pro seems to be middle of the road but nothing I read says which one to use (home, pro, or ultimate). Anyone see anything wrong with what I am about to do here?
Thanks Donnars11

Unless you intend to join a domain (which would only apply to large corporate networks), there is no need for any version other than Home Premium.

sky312 · Dec 2, 2009

how about VMware Fusion 3?

cwa107 · Dec 2, 2009

sky312 said:
how about VMware Fusion 3?

What about it?

macnole · Dec 3, 2009

Good day. Belatedly realized I posted the quoted section in wrong forum. Understand now the reinstallation CD is a no go. Just want to make sure I get the right product for what I need.

If I purchase this:

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - Operating Systems

will it do the trick?

Thanks!

OP:

Good day all. New convert here...had my MB about 3 weeks now and enjoying it. Got great help already from this site. Switched from a Dell laptop running XP. Read alot here about the subject question but still not sure I get it. I'm military so need to access some secure websites using my CAC reader that are only supported w/ IE. Also need to take an exam on my MB using ExamSoft that requires running XP or Vista. So, need to install either XP or Vista for those 2 purposes.

I have the OEM reinstallation CD for XP SP2 from my old Dell and have no need to keep the Dell if I can get XP on the MB. My Q is: can I uninstall XP from the Dell and use the reinstallation CD to install XP on the MB? Have read about this phone activation process but not sure what that entails. Or do I need to drop the $300 on a new full version of XP (I'd prefer not to mess with either Vista or 7 if possible).

Finally, is 32 GB sufficient space for the XP partition given my intended uses?

Many thanks for any advice!

cwa107 · Dec 3, 2009

Yes, that should do the trick.

macnole · Dec 3, 2009

Many thanks! Its on its way.

dodgerfan · Dec 18, 2009

I just bought my first Apple computer, an MBP. I need to use Windows to communicate with business colleagues and associates. In choosing the partition options, I don't understand what it means that NTFS partition (for Windows Pro) "will be read only under Mac OS X." I intend to use Windows on my Mac to receive and send Windows docs to my PC desktop and to colleagues with a PC; I do not intend to send these Windows docs to the Mac side of the MPB (they will be in non-Mac applications). Will I be OK w/ NTFS?

cwa107 · Dec 18, 2009

dodgerfan said:
I just bought my first Apple computer, an MBP. I need to use Windows to communicate with business colleagues and associates. In choosing the partition options, I don't understand what it means that NTFS partition (for Windows Pro) "will be read only under Mac OS X." I intend to use Windows on my Mac to receive and send Windows docs to my PC desktop and to colleagues with a PC; I do not intend to send these Windows docs to the Mac side of the MPB (they will be in non-Mac applications). Will I be OK w/ NTFS?

Mac OS X only has the ability to read (not write) to NTFS partitions. So, if you're using Boot Camp to install Windows (probably not the best course of action for what it seems like you want to do), be aware that your Boot Camp partition will only be readable by Mac OS X.

ImageExtensions · Dec 30, 2009

cwa107 said:
Probably using virtualization software would be the easiest way to go. Look into VirtualBox, a free virtualization package. You will, unfortunately, have to purchase a copy of Windows to do so.

I am in a similar situation and would like your suggestion.

I have PB G4 running Leopard and there is a program that I would like to run called Orchidwiz. I can't remember off the top of my head how much memory my Mac has (I'm at work), but I'm pretty sure I have plenty.

OrchidWiz Orchid Database Software Home Page

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP, Windows Vista; 2 GB of disk space.

I know it can be done because I saw someone using it on a Mac at an orchid show but I didn't get a chance to ask them about it.

It is a large database program with photos. What do you think would be the best program to use?

cwa107 · Dec 30, 2009

Unfortunately PowerPC Macs can't run Windows without emulation, which is usually so slow it's mostly unusable, particularly for a database program, which tends to be CPU intensive.

ImageExtensions · Dec 30, 2009

cwa107 said:
Unfortunately PowerPC Macs can't run Windows without emulation, which is usually so slow it's mostly unusable, particularly for a database program, which tends to be CPU intensive.

Forgive my ignorance. It's been 5 wonderful years of not having to buy a new computer.

Are you saying that the older PBs are not able to run Windows or all PBs including the new ones I just drooled
over in the Mac store?

Thanks!

cwa107 · Dec 30, 2009

ImageExtensions said:
Forgive my ignorance. It's been 5 wonderful years of not having to buy a new computer.

Are you saying that the older PBs are not able to run Windows or all PBs including the new ones I just drooled
over in the Mac store?

Thanks!

The PowerBook line has been discontinued and replaced by the MacBook/MacBook Pro line. All MacBook/MacBook Pro models are equipped with Intel processors and can run Windows natively. All PowerBook, iBook and PowerMac models are equipped with PowerPC processors.

Be sure to read the guide at the start of this thread, this is covered as are the options that you have for running emulation (although I wouldn't recommend bothering with it for your purposes).

ImageExtensions · Dec 31, 2009

cwa107 said:
Be sure to read the guide at the start of this thread, this is covered as are the options that you have for running emulation (although I wouldn't recommend bothering with it for your purposes).

Thanks I did read the entire thread before posting but sometimes you guys/gals speak in another language. ;D :Confused:

I guess it is time to upgrade to another Mac. Oh well, the pixels were starting to go anyway. :Smirk:

sograteful · Jan 7, 2010

License for anyione to install OEM builder's Windows

If I am not a reseller of hardware, does the license allow me to use it? Or am I required to purchase a retail version? I purchased the OEM system builder's software, but before I open the seal, I am reading the license. it seems to say that I can only use the license if I am a reseller of hardware. I am not. Any thoughts?