Windows advice for Macbook

BUACHAILL

Ok guys just some advice please !

I am using a macbook pro for business. I have just purchased accounts software and stupidly never checked to see if it was compatible with mac. Turns out that it needs to be ran through Windows xp, 7, vista, or server 2003-2008.

Firstly will Parrallel be enough to run this software?

Whats the best way to approach this, Dont really have any other use for windows. Am I better off using Bootcamp etc

Thanks in advance for all advice given

conor.hogan.2

Virtualbox would be enough to run non graphic intensive applications.
Paralells will be fine too.

If it is a single purpose use of windows, a VM is ideal as you do not have to boot in and out of OSs.

Also keeping Windows wrapped up makes maintaining it so much easier, like should you get a virus you can roll back to a previous snapshot of the VM.

BUACHAILL

Thanks Conor

When you say non graphic applications do you mean purely text ? or little or no graphics? Not sure whats in this software just yet as cannot download it so want to be sure I have it covered with whatever I get. I'm pretty sure most of it as its accounts based will be on excel spreadsheets etc.

Not to be a pest but would you have any links to what it is you recommend, just cautious to not download the wrong ones etc !

Thanks again appreciate the help

PhilipMarlowe

My vote is for VMware Fusion. It's not expensive (about USD 50) and you can try it for 30 days free as far as I remember. It's very easy to configure and use.
You can install windows via bootcamp and use it that way if you like but the rebooting would be a pain if you're only using the special software occasionally.

BUACHAILL

PhilipMarlowe wrote: »

My vote is for VMware Fusion. It's not expensive (about USD 50) and you can try it for 30 days free as far as I remember. It's very easy to configure and use.
You can install windows via bootcamp and use it that way if you like but the rebooting would be a pain if you're only using the special software occasionally.

Think your right, VM is the way to go.
Does anyone know where is handy to purchase over the counter in southside Dublin ?

ashleey

Download it. I had already installed windows via bootcamp. Then I downloaded fusion with a trial licence. Linked it to my bootcamp instance and tested it. It was easy and so bought a licence via VMware site.
The only downside is that you effectively devote some memory specifically to the virtual machine and thus can be slow if you don't give it enough. If you give too much then osx slows down.

BUACHAILL

am i right in saying I need to purchase vmware fusion and also purchase an operating system disc ?

Sorry if I am asking stupid questions just getting my head around it all
cheers

Creamy Goodness

yup they are both pieces of software that two companies have invested ridiculous amounts of money into and deserved to be rewarded by you purchasing them.

I quite like Oracle's VM Virtual Box, plus side it's free, and it can run all the OS' you need and it runs on windows/mac/linux/pretty much any modern OS.

Tazium

Another vote for VirtualBox. Free & simple. After that you need a Windows OS. XP is probably enough to run your application and it would be less expensive than Windows 7.

conor.hogan.2

I mean playing Halo or some game on any VM is not ideal, and Virtual box apparently lacks further behind.

Otherwise it should be fine, the best solution imo.

BUACHAILL

I got it sorted today thanks. I went out and bought a Toshiba laptop with windows 7
To be honest it might sound silly but I really did not fancy putting windows on my macbook to me just defeats the purpose of having a mac.

Just could not bring myself to slowing my beast down or opening it up to risk of virus's etc.

Anyway thanks for all your help and advise

conor.hogan.2

You are much more prone to viruses now, but fair enough.

BUACHAILL

understand that but laptop wont be used for internet just for business software programs, company data etc.

as safe keeping put a good anti virus on it also so all will be good !!