Should I Use Boot Camp or Parallels for use of a Windows Desktop?

I am migrating from a PC to a Mac; I want to take advantage of having a Windows desktop to run some apps until i buy Mac equivalent software;
I have Tiger, but am installing Leopard this weekend;
Should I Use Boot Camp or Parallels for use of a Windows Desktop?
I am tempted by not having to reboot, but i don't want my mac to slow down?
I am a photographer and use Photoshop and other graphics intensive programs.

Hi,
to achieve full computing power while in Windows you have to use BootCamp and for Photoshop and other apps of that caliber in Windows its the best.
For apps less demanding using Parallels (VMWare Fusion) is sufficient enough and the slight downgrade in speed is negligible.
You should however (if not already done) max out the RAM of your Mac.
Regards
Stefan

Similar Messages

For my purposes, should I install Boot Camp or Parallels?

I have a three year old iMac running Mavericks with 8 gigs of RAM. I want to take a class that teaches 3D design using 3ds Max. If I do I'm going to need to use a Windows platform to run the software. Never having used either one, would I be better off using Boot Camp or Parallels? Also, I haven't used Windows since I had Vista installed on a Dell laptop, which was a major proponent for my switch over to a large Mac. But I hated Vista!!! Now I believe they're up to Windows 8. Is Windows 8 better than 7?

Windows 7 is better than windows 8 for many reasons but either are workable. I prefer parallels when I need windows (in fact I don't have a bootcamp partition) because I like to have access to my mail, calendar, iTunes, ... If your application will work with parallels then I would go parallels+win7. It won't be as fast as bootcamp but since it is a class, maybe speed isn't your top concern.
win7 cost money
parallels cost money
bootcamp is free
good luck.

Can I use Boot Camp and Parallels 5???

I have a windows 7 partition w/ boot camp. I was wondering if I can also have parallels 5 too. Here is a example, Can I use boot camp for my games and use parallels for little stuff and internet? I want both! Can I do this? I am thinking about getting parallels 5.

Hi,
with earlier Windows versions (XP or Vista) this was definitely possible to do.
I am not that sure if there are problems with Windows 7 doing this.
Have a look at the Parallels Support Forum here http://forum.parallels.com/
Regards
Stefan

HT1461 can i use boot camp if i no longer have my windows xp installation disc?

i have my old PC with XP Pro installed but it's been years since i purchased the computer and no longer have the installation disc. Can i still run boot camp without the disc?

Brad Spalding wrote:
i have my old PC with XP Pro installed but it's been years since i purchased the computer and no longer have the installation disc. Can i still run boot camp without the disc?
You mean, Can I still run boot camp without Windows? because that is what you will have, one empty boot camp partition. Buy a copy of Windows 7.

Is there a way to still have a scratch disc and use boot camp ? it seems to kill my windows install after.

Macbook Pro
running 10.8.1 with bootcamp for a win 7 install
was working fine
had to delete the scratch drive to let me partition it correctly so I could install windows
I installed windows everythings working great
user recreates scratch drive now I cant see the windows install when i boot
it is there just unable to boot to it.

Photoshop only has one Color Palette. If you could script something like a Color Palette with two sets of active sliders the script would be in control till you dismissed its sliders dialog. You would not be able to do anything but adjust the script's sliders in Photoshop while the script dialog window is being displayed. Photoshop Scripting does not have real palette dialog type support.
I do not know what is possible with Photoshop extensions using HTML 5 Panels.....

How can I install windows 7 using boot camp, if the partition will not format correctly?

Hi All,
I'm new to this forum and have had a chance to look around a little bit, but haven't really found an answer to the problem that I'm having.
I have an imac and I'm attempting to use boot camp. I have used it in the past, with prior versions of mac os x, but this is the first time that I have tried it with 10.6.8. The first thing I found out is that I can't use Windows XP, even with service pack 2 installed, because it doesn't find the "boot camp" partition. So, I recently obtained a full retail copy of Windows 7 and have been trying to install it. I have no problem with the boot camp assistant creating the new partition, 200 GB. However, when I insert the Windows 7 DVD and the computer restarts in the Win 7 install screen it tells me that I cannot install Windows on the selected partition (which I expected to see.) So I choose "format" the further format the partition. It doesn't ask me how I would like to partition this, but just seems to start. All seems to go fine until it finishes and i see the same message of "Windows cannot be installed in the selected partition." I can click on the format tab endlessly but it still doesn't seem to work. Does anyone have any ideas? I've called Apple and their technicians keep telling me that I need to reinstall the Mac OS again, which I've tried. It doesn't seem to help either.
Thanks in advance for your help,
DTK

David Kaff wrote:
Yes, I choose "Format" under the advanced options screen. It seems like it formats, but then I get the same message of "Windows cannot be installed to this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style." I can continue to click "format" but i keep getting the same error.
There is the answer, right in front of us ....
Delete the bootcamp partition and start again the correct partition type is GUID but BootCamp should take care of that automatically so try again.

Installing Windows 7 RC1 with Boot Camp AND Parallels?

I have a 24" iMac (2009 model) and have successfully installing Windows 7 RC1 using Boot Camp. No problems at all and everything is working fine. But now I'm contemplating purchasing Parallels and using Windows 7 in a window.
I just need to know the steps involved and how this works. First I purchase and install Parallels. Then I run it and somehow tell it to use my Boot Camp partition for the VM, right? In this way, I'm assuming I don't actually have to install Windows 7 again or make another partition, right? Once I get the VM installed, then I can either boot to Windows 7 from startup OR boot from within Mac OS using Parallels and it would be the same?
If I can do it this way, can anyone point me to step-by-step instructions on how to choose the right settings in Parallels? I have found instructions for installing Windows 7 using Boot Camp and Parallels separately, but not how to use the Boot Camp install for the VM in Parallels.

Wow, it was much easier than I thought it would be! Downloaded the trial of Parallels. Installed it and pointed it to my Boot Camp partition with Windows 7 installed on it. And minutes later, I'm up and running with Windows 7 in Parallels. Sound didn't work at first, but after I did a Windows Update, it installed the correct driver and now everything is working great. I can't believe how smooth this thing runs within Leopard. I allocated 1GB of RAM for WIndows 7 and it's seems fine so far, but I really haven't run any resource-intensive apps yet.

How to use Boot Camp without an operating disk

Purchased my iMac and received an upgrade to Snow Leapord a week later. Have upgraded several times and now have Lion operating system. Have never received an operating system disc.
Used Boot Camp to partition for PC programs. Boot Camp does not work properly without "insert operating system disc" being completed.
Any one have an idea as to how to get a functioning partition without the operating system disc ??

I suspect that you're asking about an OSX installation disc, not a Windows disc.
There could be one of two issues here.
If Boot Camp is asking for an installation disc BEFORE it's able to partition the drive, it's asking for your Windows installation disc. You should have one if you purchased Windows. You need to purchase Windows to use Boot Camp. I recommend buying the full version of Windows Home or Pro, not the upgrade version -- the upgrade is difficult to install for non-experts.
If you're looking for an OSX installation disc, and, like me, you upgraded to Lion through the app store, you will have to go through a back-door process in order to create this disc. Here's an article on this. http://www.macworld.com/article/161069/2011/07/make_a_bootable_lion_installer.ht ml (I can't guarantee it works. I made a disc like this because I thought I needed it to reload from a Time Machine backup, but it turns out that Lion doesn't require the disc for this, so I never used it.)
When I installed Boot Camp and Windows, I didn't need the OSX installation disc. I'm not sure why you would, in this process. It should only ask for your Windows disc.
If for some reason you downloaded Windows from Microsoft instead of buying a package with a disc, you need to download the ISO version and burn it to a DVD. See this article on downloading the ISO: http://www.mydigitallife.info/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download -links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/ (Make sure you choose the ISO that matches the version you bought).
Here's instructions on burning an ISO with Disk Utility: http://lifehacker.com/251758/mac-tip--how-to-burn-an-iso-or-dmg-file-to-disc And this thread on burning a Windows DVD in OSX: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2039118?start=0&tstart=0 (Summary: you can use Disk Utility to burn the ISO, but choose a slow burn speed)
Lots to read but that should hopefully help.

Problems installing Windows 7 using boot camp assistant

I have followed the guide form the Apple website and using boot camp assistant, I have managed to install Windows 7 Home Premium up to a point.
When the IMac re-boots and starts up in Windows 7 it tries to complete the installation but neither my mouse, keyboard or trackpad work.
This means I cannot enter a computer name in the first windows 7 screen, which in turn prevents the completion of the installation and the installation of the drivers for the keyboard, mouse and trackpad.
Does anyone have an idea how I can complete the installation?
I am using a 2012 IMac 27".
Thanks

Hi,
yes I used boot camp for everything and followed what was advised on the Apple web page. The USB remains in the back of the machine and it did download the windows drivers etc, but it doesn't seem to have installed them yet.
If I'm reading help manual properly, it is supposed to install them after windows 7 has been installed. But I can't get past the first Windows screen asking me to name my windows computer.
If I obtain a USB keyboard will that run without any drivers being required?
Thanks

Where can I download Boot Camp 4.0 for Windows7 64 bit?

Hi,
I'm wondering where can i get a download of Boot Camp 4.0 for Windows7 64 bit?
Now, I'm using the latest Mac Air (Late2011) w/ OS X Lion. Or I can just using Boot Camp 3.3 for Windows without any conflicts with Boot Camp 4 on Mac OS X Lion?
Thxq for your advice.

Frequently asked questions about Lion and Boot Camp 4.0
Stefan

I'm new to boot camp and have always used Parallels which was easier to install but now I can't get my hands on Windows 8 for boot camp? What do i do?

I'm new to boot camp and have always used Parallels which was easier to install but now I can't get my hands on Windows 8 for boot camp? What do i do?

There is no Windows for Boot Camp. just buy a copy of Windows.

How should i allocate the right RAM and disk space to windows through boot camp or parallels ?

i am trying to understand how you need to set things up when trying to run windows from a mac ( using bootcamp / parallels ). i want to understand the implications around RAM.
i have a mac with 1terra SSD and 16 GB of RAM, and if i want to install windows i need to partition and allocate memory and disk space for windows.
now i would be running on windows :
cad 2015
revit / rhino
photoshop and some other graphic softwares
so my questions are:
how do i decide how much space should be allocated to windows and once i decide that, can i change it later ?
how do i decide what RAM should be allocated to windows. and can i also change that in the future ?
now lets say i allocated 8 GB of RAM for winddows using bootcamp, does that mean that every time i log into my mac through OS, it will only be using 8GB of the total RAM ?
here's my last question : i have my parallels software yet to be installed, just as the windows 8 software. now should i use bootcamp to install windows ? could i install windows using parallels ? if yes which is better to use ?

oliverfrombeirut wrote:
so my questions are:
how do i decide how much space should be allocated to windows and once i decide that, can i change it later ?
how do i decide what RAM should be allocated to windows. and can i also change that in the future ?
now lets say i allocated 8 GB of RAM for winddows using bootcamp, does that mean that every time i log into my mac through OS, it will only be using 8GB of the total RAM ?
here's my last question : i have my parallels software yet to be installed, just as the windows 8 software. now should i use bootcamp to install windows ? could i install windows using parallels ? if yes which is better to use ?
1. Windows needs 60GB for good performance, add the needs of the apps you intend to use and I would say no less than 100GB. (it can be changed later but it is not an easy task unless you pay for Camp Tune)
2. You do not allocate Ram to Windows in Boot Camp. Windows will use all of it (64bit Windows) or 4GB (32bit Windows)
3. See 2
4. Use Boot Camp, Parallels will not allow Windows to run at full speed.
General Notes:
1. Make a complete backup of your Mac before you start! (do not skip this)
2. Read the Boot Camp directions, then read them again.

Thinking about getting a MacBook, using Boot Camp, anything I should know?

I'm going into 8th Grade and my parents are thinking about getting a MacBook for me. Now, because my school uses PCs with Windows, I will need to use Boot Camp so I can save things from Microsoft Office on a flash drive and take it back and forth from home to school. Before I do this I need to know if there is anything I should be aware of because I've seen some weird things on sites about Boot Camp like something called Fat32. I also need to know what version of Windows should I use. XP or Vista? I've heard bad things about Vista like how there are back ways in for Hackers, but it's really eye-catching with it's futuristic look. So should I just wait for Windows 7 to come out and replace Vista in the summer or fall of 2010? (Yes, for people who may not know, Microsoft is developing a successor to Vista known as Windows 7. I read about it in my dad's latest issue of Consumer Reports.)

When you get the computer you can run the Boot Camp Assistant program (Utilities folder) and print out the documentation (it's fairly long.) Read it carefully before proceeding. It should explain what you need to know about installing and using Windows on a Mac.
You can install any 32-bit version of Vista or XP with Service Pak 2.
Windows uses two disk formats - FAT32 or NTFS. Vista requires NTFS but XP can use either. OS X can read/write FAT32 formatted drives but NTFS is read-only to OS X. That means that unless the drive is formatted FAT32 you will not be able to transfer files between the Windows volume and the OS X volume. Neither Vista nor XP are any less secure. Both are vulnerable to viruses and malware unless you run anti-virus/malware software to protect the computer.
There are different ways to run Windows on a Mac. Boot Camp is only one:
Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak 2 or Vista. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
5. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not yet fully developed for the Mac - some features are not yet implemented - but it does work otherwise.
6. Last is Q. Q is a freeware emulator that is compatible with Intel Macs. It is much slower than the virtualization software, Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that VirtualBox, Parallels, and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion.

I have parallels 7 and windows 7, how do I use Boot Camp and windows

I have Parallels version 7 installed on my MacPro5,1 mid 2010 (3.2ghz quad core) OSX 10.6.8
My question, can I run Windows from the Parallels 7 using Boot Camp app, or do I have to install it with Boot Camp on a different partition ?
I have never used Boot Camp before so this is puzzling ?
I want to run a few of my PC games better than in Paralels 7 .

I thought the Mac were finicky with which hard drive they use.
I remember getting a 3.5 floppy for my IIe then many years later getting a 80meg HD then up to a IIgs ( loved that thing). Formatting and rebuilding HardDrive swapping out the smaller HD's..
Then a Mac IIci, last was wife's QuickSilver before this MacPro5,1..
It seemed so simple back then before serial- ATA, then. Started learning Windows vista (2008) on my mom's Asus laptop now Windows 7 ?
Getting more Mac like all the time... A friend who tried the Sata 3 and blew something on his pc laptop fixed it..
Thank God formatting drives is easy, only back up the data you need before doing anything with a drive..
Thanks again for the information and Merry CHristma and a Happy New Year !!

IMac has been updated and I don't have install disk for 10.6 or later. Can I still proceed with using Boot Camp 3.0 to install Windows?

I have an iMac that has been updated to Mac OS X 10.6.8. When I purchased the computer, it came with Mac OS X 10.5.6. Will I be able to use Boot Camp 3.0.4 to install Windows without a physical disk of Mac OS X 10.6 or later? Could I get around that if I've backed everything up to Time Capsule? How do I take care of any drivers I may need?
Thanks!

Hi,
you need the OSX Snow Leopard Install DVD since it is the only valid source of the BootCamp Drivers.
The 3.0 version of the BootCamp Drivers is only avaiable on the disc.
Later updates (3.1 and 3.2) can then be downloaded from Apples Support website but require that the 3.0 drivers are already installed.
Easiest solution IMHO is to buy a retail OSX Snow Leopard disc for USD 29.
Btw. the seller of your Mac should have included the install disc for the OSX that is on the harddisk.
Regards
Stefan

Should I Use Boot Camp or Parallels for use of a Windows Desktop?

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