What to do first?

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Hi guys,
My 20" iMac should be arriving, according to the courier, tomorrow. i'm so excited. Now, I will need XP for a few programs I occasionally use so should I install bootcamp first before I start loading other software on just incase anything goes wrong?
 
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Hey,

Congrats on the iMac..

ermmm Just install bootcamp, it wont harm your Mac.


Parrallels is good, your screen spins round like your going on the otherside of the computer when you want XP
 
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It's very usual for Switchers these days to think they utterly need to install Windows or they'll be lost.

I would suggest you first use the Mac as it is and explore a bit. Then when you feel comfortable with the Mac interface, go ahead and install Windows using Bootcamp.

Why should anything go "wrong" before you install Windows. I see things going wrong after you install it :) . What applications do you need to run in Windows ?
 

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i was a long time windows user, switched last october, and thought i might need parallels or bootcamp.

other than a couple games that tax the macbook too heavily, i haven't needed any windows programs and still have not opted for bootcamp or parallels.
 
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Thanks for the quick replies guys.
I definately need bootcamp as I have, well lets just say a DVD ROM drive using a non-commercial modified firmware, to use with a program that has no mac equivalent (or ever will have). Parrallels won't be any good due to the lack of USB suppport (I converted the drive to an external one).
 
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Parallels has been updated to have complete USB 2.0 support now. It may still be in beta form, which means it would be free for you to use until release. Also included in the new Parallels beta release is a new feature that lets you run Windows programs in their own windows on your Mac desktop without having the Windows Virtual PC window open. It'll appear just as if your Windows program is running in Mac OSX. Pair that new feature with the brand new USB 2.0 support while running both OSes, and I think you have your solution over Bootcamp.

By the way, I was a hardcore proponent of Bootcamp over Parallels until I actually gave Parallels a decent chance to impress me.
 
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Ah right, I didn't realise that it now supported USB 2.0. That might actually be a realistic alternative if it works ok as I don't need XP for games really as I have 360, Wii and DS for those.
 
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Hello,

I too was thinking the same as you Kris in whether or not to install parallels or bootcamp to run Windows, and to be honest with you I installed Win XP on my 20" iMac and after spending some time using OS X I decided to remove it and have never looked back ;-) I think because I got on so well with the layout and features of OS X I didn't see the need for running Windows on my Mac anymore. However I do understand that there are switchers out there that have valuable windows based software, or those that are too used to their chosen operating system!!

Give it a try first and see how you get on. I was quite surprised how quickly I took to using the Mac OS, I honestly thought I would be adament in not using it.

Michael.
 
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Thanks DrPepper - I've had a quick go on OS X and I think its brilliant. So easy to use and everything works well together, thats what convinced me to get a mac. Well that and the fact I got 200 quid off the RRP through work. I'm convinced that Mac OS will provide everything I need but unfortunetly this one program will mean I'll always need Windows which is a shame.
 
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I'm kind of happy to have bought a G5 while they still existed. That way I was forced to manage withouth even the option of bootcamp or parallels, and so far I have never even once felt the need for Windows. Never ever. Some of the apps for the Mac are so high quality, like Acquisition or NewsFire, I'd have trouble finding equivalents bac on Windows, rather than the other way around!
 
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I'm kind of happy to have bought a G5 while they still existed. That way I was forced to manage withouth even the option of bootcamp or parallels, and so far I have never even once felt the need for Windows. Never ever. Some of the apps for the Mac are so high quality, like Acquisition or NewsFire, I'd have trouble finding equivalents bac on Windows, rather than the other way around!

yogi,

I fear you have made a very big error not installing Windows.

I have spent over 4 hours over the past few days trying to fix Firewall and AntiVirus problems.

Without Windows, i would have missed the opportunity of being huddled over my PC in a dark room, all on my own, swearing ineffectually, and being totally unproductive.

[BTW, I am using my MacBook to type this, while the Antivirus software is checking my Pc's 2 million+ files.]
 
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...this one program will mean I'll always need Windows which is a shame.
Pardon me, but I find that hard to believe. :black: What application is it?
In over 20 years of using a Mac, I have found that there is virtually nothing that I can do on my Windows machine, that I can't do on my Mac. There is almost always a work around or alternative, without the need for Windows.

In the rare and highly unlikely case when there isn't an alternative, it is best to simply use a Windows machine for that task, especially if that task needs to be performed on a daily and regular basis.
 
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Having only just switched i had the same thoughts as you.. but do as i did and gave osx a chance before installing windows. with a little reading you'll find there isnt anything your new mac cant do that windows could :)
good luck!
 
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Pardon me, but I find that hard to believe. :black: What application is it?
In over 20 years of using a Mac, I have found that there is virtually nothing that I can do on my Windows machine, that I can't do on my Mac. There is almost always a work around or alternative, without the need for Windows.

In the rare and highly unlikely case when there isn't an alternative, it is best to simply use a Windows machine for that task, especially if that task needs to be performed on a daily and regular basis.

I have to agree. Almost any Windows program will have a Mac alternative. The only genre of programs that is the exception to this are computer games. Otherwise, there probably is a good Mac alternative available.
 
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Pardon me, but I find that hard to believe. :black: What application is it?
In over 20 years of using a Mac, I have found that there is virtually nothing that I can do on my Windows machine, that I can't do on my Mac. There is almost always a work around or alternative, without the need for Windows.

In the rare and highly unlikely case when there isn't an alternative, it is best to simply use a Windows machine for that task, especially if that task needs to be performed on a daily and regular basis.

I can't name the program as this would be against the forum rules and I don't want banning, not just yet anyway hehe. All I'll say is (if this bit is still against the rules then please delete) that the program was created by some hackers and they have no plans on doing a Mac version. I only use it about twice a month which is why there is no point keeping my current PC just for that (I shall be selling it to help pay for the Mac).
 
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Maybe you shouldn't be using that program. Why don't you consult the local authorities?
 
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And why would I consult the local authorities?

Don't worry, I'm not into hacking computers or anything like that. It's just a backup program. I believe if I have bought something then I am entitled to make a backup of it incase the original gets damaged. unfortunetly the law thinks otherwise, hence no commercial software.
 
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I have to agree. Almost any Windows program will have a Mac alternative. The only genre of programs that is the exception to this are computer games. Otherwise, there probably is a good Mac alternative available.

I use some specialised Taxation software (UK) which has no Mac version. One program seems to work fine under Parallels, but the other needs a call to the Tech line to sort out.

Likewise, QuickBooks (accountancy software) has no Mac version, but seems to run fine under Parallels. I have an old version (v10) of MYOB which can run on a PC and a Mac - which I might update for its Payroll module, as the separate Payroll program I use wants nearly as much for 2007-08 as a full MYOB.
 
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Don't worry, I'm not into hacking computers or anything like that. It's just a backup program. I believe if I have bought something then I am entitled to make a backup of it incase the original gets damaged. unfortunetly the law thinks otherwise, hence no commercial software.

Try Toast on the Mac.
 
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I'm in the process of deciding whether to switch; I think I will but want to try OS X on an ol machine before committing to a large purchase. I have a number of databases running in Access as well as Quickbooks accounting software so initially I will have my PC running alongside. In the UK Intuit does not do a Mac version of Quickbooks so no choice there.

If Neo office has the base application I could work on transferring data but am not quite sure what else I might do though MYSQL might be possible. For accounts I think I might move to MYOB but that would have to wait for a year end to change.

Overall, I can't see a problem leaving a PC on my desk and being abe to use either.
 

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