What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? And What are the pitfalls I should watch for?

What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? What are the pitfalls/

If you need Windows as your main operating system you would be better off buying a Real Windows PC.
Running windows on a Mac is always a compromise. Whether in a Boot Camp partition or in a Virtual Machine.
In boot camp you can't easily Re-Partition and or Re-Size the drive it is installed on. You can't use both graphics cards as Apple has limited Windows to use the discrete graphics only, that is if your mac has 2 graphics cards (15" MBPs), which will shorten the battery run time in Windows.
The trackpad only has limited functions in Windows, less then is available on the Mac side and a real Windows PC.

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What is the best way to run windows on my mac?

What is the best way to run windows on my mac?
I have a particular program that i need to run, and it only runs on windows. I have a macbook pro

As Templeton noted, it depends and will at least be somewhat subjective.
There are basically three options out there. You can use a Windows emulator (Wine or the commercial version of it, Crossover Office), use Boot Camp to "dual boot" or use virtualization software (Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or VirtualBox). Each has its advantages or disadvantages.
The Windows emulators have the advantage of being the one option that doesn't need the purchase of a copy of Windows. Unlike Boot Camp, but like the virtualization options, this allows you to run Windows programs and OSX programs side by side. The big problem, though, is that it is the least compatible option--a lot of Windows software either has "issues" or will not function at all. The Crossover website has information on which programs are known to work and how well they are known to work.
Boot Camp is the option that Apple ships OSX with. You'll need a copy of Windows to install into the partition. You'll effectively divide your disk into two parts and have two machines. The major advantages are, first, you don't need to acquire separate software *AND* the Windows license. As well, it's the highest performance Windows system. What you have is truly a Windows machine. That's both the good and the bad--you aren't going to be able to use OSX software at the same time, and you have to reboot to get back to OSX. I've always thought it was best for someone who likes the Apple hardware and wants to use it for a Windows box--in that case Boot Camp is clearly a great solution.
Finally there's virtualization which seems to be the most popular way to handle Windows, especially if you need to run one vertical market package. It has the advantage of allowing you to use your OSX software at the same time, and the virtualization gives an extremely high level of compatibility. About the only thing that won't run is a virtualization package (and there's not a lot of reason to run that in a Windows VM). There is a performance hit compared to Boot Camp, but it's minimal for all but the most demanding applications (that being high end games).
It will chew up RAM on the OSX machine, but if you have at least 4 GB of RAM it will probably be manageable, especially if you only need to run one Windows program.
You will need both a virtualization program (there are three major ones) and purchase Windows. Two of three programs are commercial packages (Parallels and VMWare Fusion), while the other is an open source option (VirtualBox). Virtual Box has the advantage of being free, but it's by far the least polished of the group.
Which way is best? As was noted, it depends. I run VMWare Fusion on my machines, and I have used CrossOver Office for limited purposes. I've not yet seen, in my use pattern, a reason to go to Boot Camp but I certainly can see cases where it might make sense.

What is the best way to run internet explorer on Mac and IPad and is it safe to do so??

I need to run internet explorer to access new billing software, what is the best way to do so and is it safe to run this on macbook and ipad if possible??

You can't run IE on an iPad and the only way to use it on a Mac, since it's been discontinued for years for the Mac OS, is to install Windows either via Boot Camp or via running Windows as a virtual machine using something such as Parallels Desktop (my personal preference).
Clinton

What is the best way to run windows on a mac, I have to run windows based softwear?

Hello,
I need to run Signlab 9.1 which is windows based softwear, I work for a new company which is setting up and we all much prefer Macs to PCs (obviously ha ha) but this softwear we have to use is mainly Windows based, we are trying to find out if we will have to pay for windows operating systems for each mac, or if we can use one copy of Windows for more than one Mac... We are having CAT5 wiring put all round our new unit and so all computers (also printers and phones) will be part of a network so I wonder if that means we could buy just one copy of Windows... I have a MacBook Pro laptop which I can use as a guinea pig...I have heard about free 'windows emulators' but I am not sure if they are any good, anyu information would be very gratefully received! Thank you!

You can install Windows via Bootcamp or a virtual machine software like Parallels or VirtualBox. Now your other question about one copy of Windows comes down to Microsoft's licensing. You should contact Micrsoft and ask about purchasing licenses for your Machines.

How to best run windows on my mac and what version?

I want to run windows on my mac by partitioning part of an external hard drive. What version of windows should I license, use parralels or fusion, and any other recommendations?

There are two ways to run Windows on an Apple computer.
1. Use Bootcamp Assistant to create a Bootcamp partition then install Windows on the Bootcamp partition. http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/. Use Windows 7. Windows in a Bootcamp partition will not boot nor run from an external drive. You must use the first internal drive.
2. Use a virtual machine like Parallels, Fusion, or VirtualBox and install Windows as the guest operating syste. See the virtual machine sites for instructions. Use whichever version of Windows you want.

What is the best way to run window xp on a macbookpro17" G4 running OS10.5.

I have a MacBookPro 17" 1.5 GHz running OS 10.5.7 with 1.5 GB Ram and would like to load Windows XP SSP2 so I can run several specific windows programs that are not Mac supported without a dualcore system.

csb814 wrote:
I have a MacBookPro 17" 1.5 GHz running OS 10.5.7 with 1.5 GB Ram and would like to load Windows XP SSP2 so I can run several specific windows programs that are not Mac supported without a dualcore system.
Ok, you either own a MacBook Pro with an Intel Processor, or a PowerBook with a PowerPC Processor.
If your stated speed is correct, then you own a PowerBook, which will not run Windows natively. development & sales for Virtual PC has ceased. The only emulator still around, I think, is iEmulator & is terribly slow on G4s.
Boot Camp does not work on PowerPC Macs.
Please correct your signature & descriptions so we can identify the correct machine. Thanks!

What is the best way to back up aperture on imac and then take the library on the road for my mcp?

I have just aquired a lacie triple interface ext drive 1tb, to vault aperture and then take on the road for mcp to access the aperture iamges, looking at some of this forum I dont think this is as easy as i thought so i thought I'd better get some help!
I have not activated the ext hard drive yet just in case, my imac is backed up with time machine presently.

Hi Dave
I use a MBP and a Mac Mini when on the road
It has always been my practice not to use the system drive for my photographic data where ever possible always using external drives eSATA and FW for the MBP and using USB drives for Vaults and Clones
I am working with a growing Libary at the moment 720GB + 500 GB of referenced files on a second HDD
I will be scooting down the A30 with a couple of HDDs and my MBP on my way home and whilst there I will be using the my MBP to add new images to my aperture Libary and Referenced Drive and work on some of my existing files
For the last four years I have used a Ruggedised 500GB FW/USB drive to store copies of my CF cards when on a shoot you need the MBP to transfer from CF to HDD but once on the HD any future transfer is quick.
Only reusing it when I have the contents in at least two external HDD's at different locations
I have a Mac Pro and Wiebetech 4bay eSATA external at my studio (It takes bare drives)
Two years ago I did move to using an eSATA EspressCard|34 with my MBP (which only has a 200GB internal) which has ineffect given me a 2TB external running as if it's an internal drive (Ruggedised eSATA) as my Aperture Library and PS scratch file drive.
And 2TB USB drives as Vault backup
I have never been a Time Machine fan from the early days when there were problems when running Aperture, I'm sure it's improved but I have my own work flow routine
I use SuperDuper form Shirt Pocket
I recently purchased a couple of 2TB WD Green 2TB SATA 6Gbps 64MB Cache Power Saving Internal Hard Drives
for £60 each and two empty Lacie cases for £18 each from Amazon so storage has never been cheaper I normally use bare drives but the cases are better when I am away from base and its easy to remove them
Hope this helps
Phil G
PS. If you're down Penwith over the next month look me up and I show you the set up

Whats is the best way to transfer outlook mail to mac mail

what is the best way to transfer outlook email to mac email

O2M at littlemachines.com. I got it for only $12.95. Works great.

What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro?

What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro? I am a first time Apple user.

There's a lot of Sage out thete so fill us in with information. If it runs on Windows then you'll need to create a partition on your mbp using boot camp and install Windows. So what is Sage for you?

What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac?

What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac? I need to run some updates for my john deere gps and the downloads i get can only be run on windows.

There are several options for running Windows software (*.exe files) on a Mac, depending what your program is, how often you use it, and your personal preferences.
One way that does not require Windows is an open source effort called WINE. Check out winehq.org. You may find that that's all you need for your programs. There is also a commercial effort that has grown from WINE, and you will find info about it on the site mentioned. These DO NOT require that you have and install Windows.
If you want to run sessions devoted only to Windows software, and want programs to run as fast as they do on a PC, the Apple's Bootcamp program is useful. With it you dedicate a partition on your hard disk to windows, and on startup choose to either boot into OS X or Windows. Each runs without any connection to the other. This requires you have a copy of the Windows software as well as the applications you want to run.
If you want to be able to easily exchange data between your Windows and Mac programs, and skip back and forth between the two, there are several emulators available that run on Mac OS X and create a Windows environment where many Windows programs can operate along side Mac programs. Parallels and VMwear are two comercial packages available for purchase and Virtual Box is an open source effort available for free. Google will find all three for you.
My only experience is with Virtual Box. It is slow and a bit clunky, but it is free and meets my needs for the very few "just got to have" windows programs I sometimes use.
Google is your friend on this and can provide a lot more, and better, information than I can.
Best of luck,
Ray

I just switched from pc to mac. what is the best way to keep Windows? Parallel or Boot camp?

I have just switched from pc to mac. What is the best way to keep Windows, Parallel of Boot camp?

Parallels should be able to handle that without any problems.
There is a version of both of those that will run on the Mac. So you might consider upgrading to that version instead of going with Windows on your Mac.
Allan

What's the best way to run Logic Pro from external hard drive.

What's the best way to run logic from external hard drive

Hi
Organism wrote:
Logic is designed to run from your Applications folder. I suspect if Logic was moved to an external drive, it might not be able to locate its assets, like loops and libraries.
As long the necessary files are in the correct places on the boot disc, you can run the Logic application itself fom wherever you like. It would not be recommended however, and there would be very little benefit (if any) in doing so.
CCT

How is the best way to delete Windows off of your Mac?

I have Windows all up and running, and I no longer need it. What is the best way to get rid of that partition, and be back ot pure OSX? I would love to hear there is a way without erasing my whole hard drive. Thanks!

Here's the way. Pages 23 and 24
Removing Windows Partition - restoring to a single partition
It's for Beta 1.3 but that does not matter - the removal instructions have never changed.

What is the best way to share a iTunes library between 5 users on the same computer?

What is the best way to share a iTunes library between 5 users on the same computer?
Currently I have a common itunes library in a shared folder that each user is linked to. The problem is that when one user adds music to the shared file, it does not automaticaly appear to other users when they open their iTunes. They have to go to the shared library and select the new music in order to make it visable in their iTunes.
Would iTunes file shareing fix this problem?
Thanks

aapl.up wrote:
Rick, are you saying that if you try to share a folder outside of home and use sharepoints, then the other mac wont prompt you to log in? Have you tried that? It is hard to believe that is the case
I am sort of saying that. Have you tried it? I know it's hard to believe, but you really need to help us out by trying some steps that you don't believe.
We can't see what your exact situation is. We sort of know what's worked for us out here. Just trying to help you get this going in less than 24 hours!
Sharepoints manages the samba configuration file. It's free software that puts a pretty face on an otherwise cumbersome config file.
Give it a shot.
windows will not prompt for passwords, I have tried this with multiple computer at home for both vista and xp
As I stated. You will not get prompted on windows, if you have set up sharing in an insecure fashion. You are not using a secured sharing situation.
No argument with your statement.

What is the best way to back up my MacBook Pro (OSX 10.9.5) before taking it in for service?

What is the best way to back up my MacBook Pro (OSX 10.9.5) before taking it in for service?

While I have nothing against Time Machine (and I do use it on some of my systems), I always make a bootable clone before taking a Mac in for service (2 actually), and I verify that clone boots before I let the Mac leave.
SuperDuper is free for a full clone (you only pay for incremental features).
<http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html>
Carbon Copy Cloner provides a 1 month fully enabled demo mode before you have to buy the product or stop using it.
<https://www.bombich.com/>

What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? And What are the pitfalls I should watch for?

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