New iMac - recommendations for running Win 7

Okay, so I'm picking up my new 27" iMac today. I plan on installing Win 7 to run a few programs that I may need in the future (trying to downsize to one desktop), although OS X will be my main system. I know that Boot Camp is part of the OS now, but is it better to install Parallels or VM and use that for my windows install. I am moving from my 2008 Macbook Pro to the iMac and I haven't had any experience with any of the methods for installing Win 7. What is the recommend method?
Additionally, how much space should I allocate to Win 7 as a recommendation? And last, what version of Win 7, Pro or Home Premium?
Thanks in advanvce for your opinions.!
Mark

By bootstrap I'm assuming you mean Boot Camp, this has been integrated into OS X since Leopard was released 3.5 years ago. To install Windows (must be Win 7!!!!) run BootCamp Assistant and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you need further assistance then I'd recommend navigating to the Boot Camp forum.
As far as what is better, Fusion, Parallels or Boot Camp that is a personal decision based on your needs. If you are running 3D games or other types of sophisticated 3D graphics then Boot Camp would be recommended. However if you are not then either Fusion or Parallels would offer the advantage of running OS X and Windows side by side so you can easily switch back and forth.
My suggestion is to research and see if the applications you plan on running in Windows are available in OS X or to see if there are substitutes.
Kappy's explanation has some good advice on the MS Windows on a Mac alternatives.
Roger

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I Just bought a new MacBook Pro, running Lion, version 10.7.2. I am looking to run some windows applications on my mac, including AutoCAD, etc. I would ideally like to install bootcamp on my MacBook, but from what i understand, Lion is only compatible with Windows 7... I have Windows XP and VMWARE Fusion that I had run on my previous MacBook, however, I am unable to install VMWARE Fusion on my new MacBook (Lion). Any recommendations for running higher-profile windows apps on a mac without having to purchase Windows7 or a new version of VMWARE? Thanks

Newer computer = newer drivers and apps. You can only run Windows 7 using Boot Camp Assistant with the newer computers. Or, you can download and install Parallels or Fusion (the most current versions work in Lion). If using Parallels or Fusion you can install XP, Vista, Windows 7, etc.
Or, you could try the free VirtualBox.

Why do I keep getting Kernal Panic warnings to restart my new iMac that is running Lion? This is happening as often as 2 times a week. Never happened with any of my other Apples or Macs and I have been using them since the 1980s.

Why do I keep getting Kernal Panic warnings to restart my new iMac that is running Lion? This is happening as often as 2 times a week. Never happened with any of my other Apples or Macs and I have been using them since the 1980s.

See
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Technical Note TN2063: Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics,
Mac OS X Kernel Panic FAQ,
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I need to install windows on my new Macbook pro for running my flight simulator software

Hi!
I'm new to the Mac world and I need to install windows on my new Macbook pro for running my flight simulator software which only runs on windows. I would like to purchase and download the windows 8.1 rather than buying the CD.
When i go to the microsoft store and click windows 8.1 it says it is only for who has windows xp or vista...
can you tell me where and how can i purchase the full installation 8.1 for download?
i will keep the ISO file on my flash drive.
Thanks!
<Re-Titled By Host>

it's likely an upgrade you are looking for and not a full install of windows
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/get-the-iso-you-need-to-crea te-your-own-windows-81-dvd/
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I have Mac OSX Lion 10.7.4, Quickbooks Pro 2010, Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, Operating in Windows 7. Are there any recommendations for running Quickbooks Pro 2010?

I have Mac OSX Lion 10.7.4, Quickbooks Pro 2010, Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, Operating in Windows 7. Quicbooks Pro 2010 is not responding or opening currently. Quickbooks does not support Parallels anymore. I hear Apple Bootcamp is an opton. Are there any recommendations for running Quickbooks Pro 2010 on Mac?

QuickBooks Pro 2010 for Mac is not supported in Lion. QB Pro 2011 will work, but I just got an email today that 2011 will not be updated to work in Mountain Lion. QB Pro 2012 will be updated for ML.
Be aware that the Mac version of QuickBooks is shamefully lacking in features compared to the Windows version. I do use the Mac version, but it has more features than I need for a small business, so it doesn't affect me. No one knows why Intuit seems to hate Mac users, but they show it every day.
If QB Pro 2012 for Mac can be downloaded as a demo, I would strongly suggest testing with it before making a final decision. You will be able to import the Windows data, but possibly not all of it, depending on the Windows version features you use.
Boot Camp allows you to install Windows on its own, bootable partition. When you boot to it, you are of course running Windows in every sense of the word. Just on Mac hardware rather than typical PC gear. Your Windows version of QB will work there without issue. The problem is having to boot back and forth between Windows and OS X, depending on what software it is you need to use at the time.

I'd like Time Machine to backup my personal account's files separately from my guest account's files. Both have big files. What's the best way to do this? Should I connect 2 external HD to my new iMac, one for each account?

I'd like Time Machine to backup my personal account's files separately from my guest account's files. Both have big files. What's the best way to do this? Should I connect 2 external HD to my new iMac, one for each account?

NeuroBrain wrote:
Since my new external hard drive is have a lot of space, I'm thinking of splitting it for Time Machine and external storage.
This is a common mistake and I highly advise against it.
1: TimeMachine saves states of changes and thus requires more room on the TM drive than the boot drive it's backing up.
2: Something happens to the TM drive, loss, theft, dropped, power surge, etc., you lose both backups.
3: The storage drive might become a portable need, with it being on the TM drive, now your increasing the risk to the TM backup that something could happen to it along with the storage drive, due to increased movement.
Seriously, have a read,
Most commonly used backup methods
it's ASC User Tip that saves us regulars all the trouble of having to repeat ourselves over and over again in the posts, because we tend to forget things too, or not here sometimes etc.
"Plan for the worst and the good will take care of itself" - Donald Trump

New iMac looks for old Mac tower

I purchased a new iMac recently and used Migration Assistant to move my Documents folder over from my old G5 Tower. To the best of my memory, I did not use Migration Assistant to move system files or applications over to the iMac.
Once I thought I had everything configured just right, 3 things occured where the new iMac was looking for the old G5 Tower:
(1) at startup, a dialog twice appeared, indicating that the old G5 could not be found. I used the Accounts/Log In Items to disable start up items that were "unidentified." First problem solved.
(2) When I try to print, the iMac looks for my old G5 when I first try to access a pulldown menu in the print dialog window, and after quite awhile an alert message appears indicating that the G5 server is unavailable. I've tried deleting all installed printers and then reinstalling them, to no avail.
(3) In my folder windows, under the Places list, there is a favorite folder that is repeated twice, one that links to the "04_FT" folder on the new iMac, and an identically named item that does not function as a link (but a folder with this name did live on the old G5) and I'm unable to remove it from the list. When I Control click on it, the only option I get is to "Open Sidebar Preferences."
I suspect that both (2) and (3) are similar "ghost" references back to the old G5, but I don't know how to remove them.
I would very much appreciate any help or suggestions that the iMac community might have to offer.

I would recommend starting over and instead of using Migration Assistant this time using Setup Assistant. They are cousins, similar but different. First SA is more reliable and second it will not create a second user account. Because you are migrating from a PPC machine I would migrate everything EXCEPT applications. You should manually install your apps, this will give you the opportunity to udate the ones that need it and I'm sure there are many. You may even apps that won't run on Intel based machines so why migrate them at all? You can use the Setup Assistant tips beginning at "Second chance...." You can either restore from your old machine or from one of it's backups. I think you'll see it's a pretty clean process, something you passed over (I'm not sure why) when you turned on the new iMac for the first time.

New iMac-Questions for musicians/computer experts

Friends,
My primary reason for buying a new iMac has to do with home music recordings. (Especially w GarageBand, but other music programs as well.)
Spent the day trying to get things going with my brand new iMac. (Specs below).
Things went pretty well, except when I got to peripherals. So, for some of you musicians out there who might have encountered similar situations when upgrading computers/operating systems:
1) *Presonus Firebox* preamp. On my old iMac, all I would do was plug in the firewire to the computer and the preamp turned on. (Usually left the firewire plug into the preamp all the time.) Never used the AC adaptor. Apparently wasn't necessary. The cable was a 6-pin to 6-pin. (Meaning, I think, 400 to 400.)
a) Tried to get the preamp going on the "new" iMac. Used a new 6-pin, coming out of the PreSonus Firebox, to 9-pin, going into the new iMac firewire port, cable. Nothing happened. Firebox didn't turn on.
b) Thoughts? Why didn't it work? Do I need to go to the PreSonus Firebox web-page to download an updated driver that will work with +Snow Leopard+? (Been to that site and it said +Mac users do not need to do this+.)
c) This is critical for me. I don't want to by a new preamp to do my recordings.
2) *Yamaha DGX-305* keyboard/synthesizer. I've used this for many recording purposes...sole piano work, comping, effects, etc... bringing it in as either MIDI (via USB cable) or analog (headphone out to iMac audio line in). But...
a) when I tried to bring it into my new iMac (same way: USB cable for MIDI), nothing happened. Tried to record....settings were all the same as on the old Mac (i.e. to a MIDI track in GB, line in/out were correct after setting them on the computer)....pushed "record" button, played, marker/track moved, but nothing was recorded.
b) It would seem that I would have to go to the Yamaha web site to download the latest driver to make this work.
Following a visit to the HP site and a phone call, was told that HP stopped making the printer I have (about six years old) and, therefore, do not make drivers compatible with +Snow Leopard+. So, today, I purchased a brand new printer. Certainly did not think I would have to do that after buying a new computer. And wasn't particularly happy about it. Present printer works just fine.
I will be visiting the websites and calling +PreSonus Firebox+ and Yamaha tomorrow morning to inquire about workable updated drivers for +Snow Leopard+. My great fear is that either or both will say the same thing as HP: "Stopped making those models and do not have downloadable drivers" for my new computer/operating system.
If that would be the case, it would mean that the "critical" peripherals for my home music recordings would be obsolete. Effectively negating the usefulness of my brand new iMac.
*THE MAIN CONCERN:*
*I do not want to buy a new preamp, keyboard, or whatever to enable me to resume my recording efforts. I didn't sign up for that when I bought my new iMac.*
Anxiously awaiting your thoughts.
The only reason I bought a new iMac (the old one...which I will still keep, works perfectly fine, just pushed to capacity) was to make my home recording efforts easier. Meaning, less stress on the processor, more space available on the computer itself for those huge music files, and more speed with much more RAM.
But it never occurred to me that buying a new computer would require buying everything else to go with it: printer, preamp, keyboard, etc.
And, just a quick p.s. regarding GB: on the old version I have, GB2, when you double-clicked the "instrument" icon at the very left of the track, it brought up a window where you could adjust things, change instrument sound/audio font, turn monitor on/off etc. However, when I double-clicked the instrument icon on the new GB, nothing happened. It would seem this is a typical problem with updated programs. Nothing, or at least not enough, is where it used to be. A real problem for an old guy like me to re-learn everything. I'm sure I'll have to do a lot more exploring to find out how this new GarageBand works.
Thanks for any comments/suggestions. (If it weren't for the invaluable resource of Apple Discussion Forums, I wouldn't even have considered buying a new computer. At least I know you guys are here.)

• Firebox: There is a problem with the Firewire card in newer Macs - I have the same problem. It will not sync up with some interfaces (I have the Inspire) when they have no external power source. There's only two solutions: use the power adaptor, or chain it with an externally powered hard drive. After everything is up and running, it should be okay to unplug the power adaptor.
• Keyboard: The device that your computer is connected to is not the keyboard but the midi interface (which you call "cable"). You can plug any midi instrument into that, the Mac doesn't care. So you'll have to update your interface's driver, but you don't tell us what it is. If it's a yamaha intereface:
http://www.global.yamaha.com/download/usb_midi/
(And a note: Lengthy posts like yours, with a lot of talk about why you bought your computer etc., don't attract a lot of people to give you answers. A short but concise description of your problem - like what interface you are using - is a lot more helpful.)

What drive should i put in my new imac if im running logic x? Help

hey peeps
gonna buy a new imac to run logic X...please help with advice on which drive i should load it with....my cpu is 5 years old and im lost...typicl sesion includes 15 audio track, 3 midi tracks, and 4 software ist. tracks....and lots of plug-ins....not sure about fusion vs. ata. vs flash.... thanks so much in advnce!!!!
grant

kcstudio wrote:
No intention to dispute your advice here Pancenter, but just out of interest, what kind of problems are you referring to?
Thanks in advance!
Since it was a new iMac he was going to purchase, there is the huge iMac/Fusion Drive Thread.
The other thing is... the Fusion drives offer no improvement over standard drives for audio, in fact performance may be less, plus there is an additional software layer installed to mange the Fusion Drive... and to top it off, the the regular spinning disk of the Fusion Drive is only 5400RPM.
Here's the thread.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23790322#23790322

New IMAC but Photoshop running slow

Hi There
Could some one help me? I just brought a brand new IMAC 21.5" the base model (NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics) with 4 gb RAM. I downloaded the trial version of adobe cs5 to check if it runs ok but when I am starting things from scratch like just creating things from a blank canvas it runs so slow like trying to paint stuff and render it comes up with a loading screen it just doesn’t do it straight away. But when I am working on photos it seems to run ok. Is there away to solve this issue? Do I need to updated my RAM to make it run smooth?

The mostly likely reason Photoshop will run slow is insufficient RAM and since you downloaded the demo, you got the extended version which is a huge memory hog. I found it slow on my similarly configured notebook but the regular version runs just fine for me.
What does seem odd though is that you say it isn't slow on photos, just when you are starting from a blank slate. So I'm thinking - check the pixel size and resolution of your default blank document and compare to a loaded photo. Is the size and resolution of your blank document larger? I'm guessing it might be. That points to RAM again but if you don't need that big a document or that resolution you can reduce it.

Setup on new iMac, asking for a Keychain Password for com.apple.smig

I am doing setup on new iMac, we have the old iMac asking for a Keychain Password for com.apple.smig.
Does anyone know what this is? What is it looking for?

Has anyone else figured this out? I'm getting it on every machine I upgrade and I have about 18 more to go and would like to fix it.
These are brand new iMac's shipped with Mountain Lion. I turn them on and the third screen asks if you want to transfer items from a backup or another Mac. I choose another Mac. Then use Migration Assistant on the users old machine (running Snow Leopard 10.6.8) and then let it transfer all of their files.
At just about the end of the transfer the new Mac pops up this error and waits until an action is taken. I've tried every password it could have been on the previous users machine to no avial. The only option appears to be hitting cancel and movi ng on but I'd like to know what is breaking when this happens becase the machines exhibit a strange spinning wheel hang when logging in afterwards?
Here's a screen shot of the new iMac and the problem:
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Setting up a new imac g5 for wireless internet.

I have recently brought a new imac g5 and want to set it up by wireless internet.
My dad lives 2 doors down from me and has a pc with broadband and i was wondering if i could use his broadband by setting up my mac with wireless.
What would i need to do this and would it matter that he has a pc.
iMac 20" 2GHz intel core duo Mac OS X (10.4.5)

I'm not too sure about the iMac but I know my laptops can pick up wifi signals that are a good 1/2 mile away, in the City of Baltimore for example, with my laptop, I can pickup 4 - 6 signals from my Studio, obviously most of them are protected (secured) signals, and I know for a fact there are not 6 people around me running independent wireless broad band within a few houses.
It really all depends on how strong a signal the router can put out and how good the iMac can pick up. 2 houses is not very far away here in the US in regards to acquiring a signal... your dad is going to have to set up the router in a window facing your place and you will have to set up to a window nearest his place, if you can pick up a signal but is weak then try the 'signal booster'... Good luck, Rick
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Will I be able to keep my old imac info if I upgrade to the new imac? I run 10.5.8

I want to buy one of the new iMacs but want to keep my old software/files from my old iMac which currently runs 10.5.8.
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Thanks

A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
The Knowledgebase article Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated refers to methods of dealing with migrating from PowerPC chips to Intel with the Migration Assistant safely. The authors of this tip have not had a chance to verify this works in all instances, or that it avoids the 10.6.1 and earlier Guest Account bug that caused account information to get deleted upon use of the Migration/Setup Assistant. However, a well backed up source that includes at least two backups of all the data that are not connected to your machine will help you avoid potential issues, should they arise. In event it does not work, follow the steps below.
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
1. Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
2. Screensavers written for the PowerPC System Preference add-ons
3. All Unsanity Haxies Browser and other plug-ins
4. Contextual Menu Items
5. Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5 Kernel extensions
6. Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior, TechTool Pro , SuperDuper , and Drive Genius work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
1. Intel In Macs
2. Apple Guide to Universal Applications
3. MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
4. MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
5. MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
6. Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
7. OS X Lion: How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake
      or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and
       registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your
       desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
a. MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch,
      Late 2008) - What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
b. MacBook Air - Migration Tips and Tricks;
c. MacBook Air - Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and
      wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist /Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft.
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.Revised 5/21/2011

New iMac Retina for Premiere CC 2014

Hi everyone,
we're ready to upgrade a couple of PCs here at the studio and I think we are probably jump over to the Mac wagon. We love the idea of getting the new Retina iMacs (maxed out) with i7 4.0GHZ and 32 RAM, flash storage.... There are a few considerations on top of performance like compactness, portability and yes...design. There are however a couple of questions:
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- In terms of editing with external hard drives, is USB 3 a good idea until we can afford some Thunderbolt drives?
- I read the new iMacs will come with AMD graphic cards so I guess they wont be able to use the CUDA Mercury engine?
thanks for your help,
Guille

The Mercury Engine can use OpenCL in Radeon cards. That being said, the R9 M290X is not in the list of currently supported cards, and therefore the Mercury Engine should default to Software Only.
Adobe won't add the R9 M290X to the list of supported cards until they can fully test it. So hopefully they will add it in a future update (*fingers crossed*).
Until then, you may be better off with a maxed out 27" iMac which has the GeForce GTX 775M, which is supported. It will no doubt perform better, and yes it will be like a hot knife through butter.

I have just bought a new iMac which is running mountain lion and my logic won't work how can i fix this

i have just bought an imac 27 for my music making and ive installed logic and it wont work saying its not compatible what do i do please

Hi
Sounds like you need to run Software update and install the latest version of Logic
CCT

New iMac - recommendations for running Win 7

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