Looking to run Bootcamp on my Mac OSX 10.6

[Jerhart]

I was curious if any computer/MAC gurus [ahem...Nate] could help me with a question or two...?

I just upgraded my MAC to 10.6 Snow Leopard. I am want to run bootcamp for essentially one maybe two PC-based software. I was thinking of loading Windows XP as people have told me it is quicker than vista if I will only be using it to run one program on my MAC.

Also, where can I get the best deal on XP...or whatever is recommended for me. I don't need office and all that, I have everything else on the 'MAC side'. I don't want to buy parallels or whatever it is...I priced those and it isn't worth it to run one program I am looking to load.

Does this make any sense?

Thank all!

[Nate]

I bought an OEM version of Windows XP on Newegg.com - but that was a few years ago. I have no idea where you can purchase Windows XP now - Maybe ebay?

I use vmware fusion and I prefer it over Parellels and Bootcamp.

What are you running on the Winders side?

Also, Windows 7 runs pretty smooth on VMWare Fusion for me. I think Windows 7 is a big improvement over Vista. Lots of buzz around it right now.

[AaronP]

If you need a copy of XP:
http://software.pricegrabber.com/win...duct/sv=button

[Jerhart]

I bought an OEM version of Windows XP on Newegg.com - but that was a few years ago. I have no idea where you can purchase Windows XP now - Maybe ebay?

I use vmware fusion and I prefer it over Parellels and Bootcamp.

What are you running on the Winders side?

Also, Windows 7 runs pretty smooth on VMWare Fusion for me. I think Windows 7 is a big improvement over Vista. Lots of buzz around it right now.

I will probably just be running ArcGIS (http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/...uirements.html).

What is vmware fusion?

[Nate]

VMWare Fusion is similar to Parallels, in that it runs as an application on the mac side. You don't have to boot into windows.

You can download a trial of Fusion, but it looks like they're preparing for their 3.0 launch.

If I was doing something that required the full power of my hardware, then I would suggest Bootcamp.

[Jerhart]

VMWare Fusion is similar to Parallels, in that it runs as an application on the mac side. You don't have to boot into windows.

You can download a trial of Fusion, but it looks like they're preparing for their 3.0 launch.

If I was doing something that required the full power of my hardware, then I would suggest Bootcamp.

Very cool.

Fusion seems to be more practical in cost compared to parallels...

Do you use either parallels, fusion or bootcamp?

And what do you mean you recommend bootcamp if it required the full power of my hardware? Is bootcamp 'stronger' than fusion?

Also does fusion require windows...the website said something along the lines of supporting windows 7?

Thanks by the way, this has been very helpful...

[redpython]

vm fusionware is the way to go.

[Jerhart]

What VM fusionware could I use? Would the $80 version work for what I want to do? Will it slow down my computer or anything I should be aware of? If I download the 30 day trial and load the program I want to run, will I lose all my data from my program when my 30 day trial is up? Or will it save everything if I purchase the v3.0 when it comes out within my 30 day trial....? Did that make sense?

[Nate]

Very cool.

Fusion seems to be more practical in cost compared to parallels...

Do you use either parallels, fusion or bootcamp?

And what do you mean you recommend bootcamp if it required the full power of my hardware? Is bootcamp 'stronger' than fusion?

Also does fusion require windows...the website said something along the lines of supporting windows 7?

Thanks by the way, this has been very helpful...

Well if I'm doing something that requires a lot of hardware usage, 3D modeling, motion graphics, etc. then I would log into Bootcamp.

If you're running VMWare Fusion, then part of your hardware is being used by Mac, and part of your hardware is being used by VMWare Fusion/ Windows. For simple applications, it's not that big of a deal. It will run smooth, for the most part.

I don't have Parallels. I have Fusion.

What VM fusionware could I use?

You want VMware Fusion for Mac. There are a lot of software applications that VMWare offers. Just make sure you're downloading the trial of Fusion.

Would the $80 version work for what I want to do?

Yep.

Will it slow down my computer or anything I should be aware of?

Not anything terribly noticeable. It really depends on what you're doing. The more you're doing, the more resources you're using. The more resources you're using, the slower your system will run.

If I download the 30 day trial and load the program I want to run, will I lose all my data from my program when my 30 day trial is up? Or will it save everything if I purchase the v3.0 when it comes out within my 30 day trial....? Did that make sense?

No, it will just nag you to purchase it. You won't lose anything.

v3.0 comes out on Oct. 27th...only a few more days

[Jerhart]

Awesome reply Nate.

What programs do you run on your fusion? I am trying to figure out whether the GIS will require a lot of hardware...it isn't an animation software or highly graphical...eh...well it sort of is, it models data visually. I am leaning towards the fusion now so I dont have to hassle with the whole windows side (blah)...