Windows 7 on iMac

Hi Guys

Are there any dangers to installing Windows 7 on an iMac ?

What I mean is stuff like:

1) Issues that might corrupt OS X Snow Leopard ? (from tiny ones to huge ones)
2) Windows 7 issues ? again tiny and large ?
3) How hard is it ? is there a clear tutorial ?

Thank You.

It depends on how you want to do it.
I run it via Parallels, and it's fine, but you do still need anti-virus and spyware/malware. I use Microsoft's own.
It runs pretty swiftly even on my lowish spec iMac, as long as I don't have tons of Mac stuff going.
There are other ways - botcamp etc. but I can't comment on their effectiveness.
The thing I like most in Parallels is cohesive mode, which makes Windows run like Mac OS.

Thanks for that Kevriano ! though I must admit most of what you said was way over my head ! lol

What do you mean by:

It depends on how you want to do it.

Click to expand...

Why ? How many ways are there of doing it ?

I run it via Parallels

Click to expand...

OK so Parallels is one of the way of doing this ... How does it work ? What is " Running it Via Parallels " ??

Also what does Cohesive Mode mean ? or do ?

Sorry a n00b here.

Thanks

Ok, Bootcamp I believe requires you to create a Windows partition on your HD, where Parallels, runs it like it was software in a folder, which is different.
Bootcamp means you actually boot fully into Windows, and not have access to your Mac partition, Parallels allows you to swap between the 2, and drag files from desktop to desktop for example.
There are free virtual machine programs (which is what Parallels is basically).
I'm sure others will say what they do, but this is my favored way as I said.

ohh ok !!

So which is better ?

1) Run Windows from a Folder while in a Mac ?
2) Create a separate partition on the HDD for Windows ?

Thanks

Over to others, either way works well, Parallels (or similar) seems less hassle to me.

I mean if there are no disadvantages to using Parallels .. then I'm with you ! it is less hassle !

Personally favour BootCamp, however whichever way you do go download and install Microsoft Security Essentials on to the Windows partition. It is a free, light and easy to update utility.


http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Is there a reason why you prefer BootCamp ?

Also > none of you have mentioned issues ? lol are you telling me it will all go super smooth without a single error the the iMac or the Windows 7 ? < Sounds to good to be true !

I'm not a Win user at all, but have followed installations here on Mac Forums.
The only issue I've known of is:
1. People don't follow the installation guides properly and run into problems.
2. Tied into problem 1, which is not installing the driver updates as required as part of the installation.

I am certain that if you were to run into any problems with the installation (which I doubt), that you will get the solutions here.

Main thing is to backup before you start, and read the instructions properly.
If using BootCamp assistant, print out the guide that it gives you and follow it to the letter.

Cool Thanks 6String.

By the way did I mention I have a PC in my Bedroom on Windows 7 ? lol

It is just that I love the colours on the iMac soo much. No Windows screen can ever match that clarity of colour that the Macs have.

But I don't know whether I should bother just for colour !

This article is a bit dated, but will give you the gist of it.
http://www.crn.com/reviews/applicat...;jsessionid=9wW7ON+3iQHuIVLRnL48gw**.ecappj02

Thanks 6String.

I think (IF I go ahead) I'll go with BootCamp too.

Reason: Created by Apple.

That'd be the way I'd go if I were to ever touch Win again
Worst comes to worst, you can always use bootcamp assistant again to remove it and be back where you started.

Installing Windows 7 via bootcamp is pretty straightforward.
Just a couple of things to watch out for:
1. Go here and follow the instructions. These are drivers for the video card in your model of iMac that, if missing, can cause a black screen installing Windows.
2. get hold of a genuine retail version of Windows 7, put it in your drive
3. Run the bootcamp assitant, let it partition your drive and restart your mac to start the windows install (you should have a USB drive connected at this point from step 1)
4. Let the windows install run through. The only thing to watch out for is that you format the bootcamp partition when prompted to select where Windows is installed.
5. Once Windows has installed pop your Snow Leopard disc (that came with your iMac) into your drive and let it install the bootcamp drivers.
6. Now run the Apple software updater.
7. Install some Anti-virus (Microsift Security Essentials or other preference)
8. Run the Windows Update tool.
9. That's it........

Thanks mrplow... I was hoping someone with experience on this would step in with instructions re: the drivers

No problem. Had the hard disk replaced in my iMac at the weekend so even though I'd done it before the whole bootcamp re-install was fresh in my mind.

The only issue I have, as I did before, is that I can't get a reliable N rated connection to remain stable in Windows 7. Works fine in OSX just not windows. Must be a driver issue but neither the bootcamp or Windows 7 drivers seems to behave.

I had N issues since updating to 10.6.5 in OS X.
This has been the case with many people, but not all, and not specific to any particular Macs..... just random.

I ended up going back to to my G modem/router setup.
This is the first I've heard of it in Win 7 though.

It's rock solid in OSX. Just Windows 7 64bit. Not a huge issue. Just annoying. I suspect it's a particular Windows Update that breaks it. Just not a big enough of an issue to go back through them all and troubleshoot!

And if I've lost my Snow Leopard disc ?