bootcamp or parellels

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just got a new macbook pro, and i need to run windows.

i got parallels 4.0 as a gift, but im not sure if it would be better to run windows in that, or in bootcamp.

i also plan on doing a little bit of gaming, nothing too serious, just a bit of counter strike.

also, should i run vista or xp? and how should i partition the drive?
 
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Gaming

If you want to play games, then you have to use the Bootcamp route as gaming is not possible under virtualisation.

Just run the Bootcamp wizard and follow the instructions (you need a XP SP2 disk or Vista disc to install Windows).
 
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ok i figured something like that.

and will vista or xp run just fine on the 2.4 ghz mbp?
 
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Some people say that XP and/or Vista run better on the Mac than a comparable PC.

I personally use Parallels for running XP, and it runs very fast, however I don't play any games.
 
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hmm okay.

well i think i'll be running bootcamp.

a few of my roommates are windows gamers, and it'd be pretty fun to join them.

luckily parallels was a gift lol
 
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Since you already have Parallels, why not try the virtual machine anyway? It won't cost you anything to run it both ways. Depending on the game, it may run fine in a virtual machine. In any event, you might want to install Windows in Boot Camp, then create a VM from the Boot Camp partition under Parallels, so you can try it both ways. Plus, then you can run your non-games under Windows while OSX is running. Parallels and Fusion are pretty cool, and there's no extra cost for you to do that.

Nice gift, BTW. :)

Cheers
 
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wait... you're saying i can use bootcamp and parallels?

sorry, i suck at computers lol.
 
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wait... you're saying i can use bootcamp and parallels?

sorry, i suck at computers lol.

This is true...

You can create a Partition with Bootcamp, Install Windows, and then use Parallels to access the bootcamp partition.

HOWEVER though, If you do this, you will need to activate Windows again.
 
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what do you mean activate windows again?
 
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He means you'll have to click on the activate button when it comes up again. It's very easy, and by installing Parallels Tools, you'll be fine. Not an issue. And yes, you can have it both ways. There are a few features of Parallels that are not available in a VM created from a BC partition, but it works well. Ultimately, I liked it so much (under Fusion) that I gave up on Boot Camp altogether.

Cheers
 
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You can give both a try and see what works best for you, that is what I did and I went with Parallels over Bootcamp, only because I don't want to have to reboot every time I want or need to use Windows.
 
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well, got vista today, and got it loaded. its running smoothly, just gotta remember how to use windows now LOL
 

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