some questions about running windows on a mac

so this bootcamp thing i read on the website, I'm slightly confused...

how do you get windows on a mac?

am i right in thinking that you have to install from a windows disc?

say if i bought one at the shops I could install it and use windows too? or do i need to buy a special version?

also I know i need leopard to do this, I have been informed it is free to download the upgrade if you buy within a certain time? what is that time? also is it true that it is free?

I also wanted to know is it a simple, quick process to switch from leopard to windows? or do you have to turn the mac off and on again?

another question: can you get viruses this way?

thank you for your time

1. You partition the disk - install windows on one and leopard on the other

2. You need a legit copy of windows to install on the windows partition

3. A new mac should come with Leopard installed, at the very least it will come with Tiger and a Leopard upgrade DVD.

4. You have to shut down and start-up again with bootcamp to switch. Two other programs VW Fusion and Parallels let you run windows and leopard at the same time.

5. The windows partition can be infected with viruses (it is running Windows after all) Non of the windows viruses will interfere or run on the Mac OS side and there are no mac viruses as yet

Thanks what is the best windows to run? XP or vista?

In the case of Windows XP, your install disc MUST have service pack 2 already patched in.

As for XP versus Vista.... well the general consensus is that Vista is an overloaded, bloated, hunk of junk. Unless you have a specific need for Vista, stick with Windows XP.

run xp i have to keep reinstalling the drivers in vista waste of time.

thanks so this is what I will need, right? I'm sure when I get my mac I'll understand things better

Bootcamp partitions the drive into 2 partitions.

I would personally go with XP over Vista for reasons stated above my post.

You need XP with SP2. That is the main requirement.

You launch Bootcamp and it will guide you through all the steps. Very simple.