running parallels & crossover

[LinLin]

Hi,
I bought Crossover for my MacBook Air (OS X 10.6.2) hoping I could run Quickbooks. It won't run the free trial version of QB, however.

So I downloaded the trial of Parallels, hoping that will work. It looks like I'll need to buy Windows 7 in order to have a windows platform on which to run Quickbooks -- first question, is that right?

Second question, if I install Windows 7, isn't that making my computer susceptible to Windows viruses?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[6string]

You will need Quickbook for Mac 2009 if you want to avoid Windows from what I understand, however, someone may come along and correct me here!
Running QuickBooks for Windows on Your Mac
As for question 2.... only the Windows partition would be susceptible to viruses.
See http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/23835-official-mac-antivirus-firewall-faq.html

 

[LinLin]

Thanks -- that info is helpful. That said, I'm based in the UK and there's not a Windows for Mac UK version. So I'm stuck with windows.

I have a vague understanding about partitions but wouldn't know how to set one up myself. Is that something that Parallels sets up automatically?

 

[6string]

This is different to Bootcamp where you'd be creating partitioins.
Here's a good how to:
How do I install Windows XP on my Mac with Parallels Desktop? :: Free Tech Support :: Ask Dave Taylor!

I believe the default is Ctrl-Shift-Left/Right to switch between desktops

Oh, and here's a W7 version of the tutorial.
http://www.simplehelp.net/2009/02/0...ing-parallels-desktop-a-complete-walkthrough/

 

[Chilbear]

I use Parallels to run my Accounting and it installs and runs just fine. W7 and Parallels V5 is needed unless you have a full version of XP SP3 then V3 will work just fine as well. A minimum of 3GB is needed to make it run smoothly IMO.

Viruses will come if you surf through Windows, noting as mentioned they are all kept within a virtual HD that Parallels creates (versus the partition method). I do not surf with Windows and the only connection is done with the Vendors who are loaded as programs (Adobe, Microsoft, Norton etc).