There are 3 common ways to run Windows on your Mac. All 3 methods will allow you to install Windows 7. All 3 methods work with Snow Leopard. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.
- Use Bootcamp that comes for free with your Mac.
- Install VMWare Fusion 3
- Install Parallels 5
I have used all 3 methods. My personal preference is to use either VMWare Fusion or Parallels. With either of those, I avoid having to reboot the machine everytime I want to go into Windows. Opening Windows is as easy as running any other Mac application. I use Windows often, because I have Windows-specific software that I purchased, such as Quicken and Quickbooks, so for me, that was the way to go. Since I had previously used VMWare Fusion 3, I opted to use Parallels 5 this time around.
With Windows installed using Bootcamp, I would have to restart my Mac from the Windows partition, thereby leaving Mac OS X behind for a while. When I wanted to get back to Mac OS X, I’d have to reboot from the Mac OS X partition. The main advantage, and the only advantage to me, to using Bootcamp is that the drivers are Windows drivers, not virtualized. I have a few clients who have security cameras, and the software to view them only work with Windows in a non-virtualized environment. Other than that, I don’t need Bootcamp.
In a nutshell, The following article just came out in November, so it’s recent and discusses all the latest versions of software. It’s a good article to help you decide:
http://atlchris.com/1136/parallels-desktop-5-vs-vmware-fusion-3/
If you have used any of the 3 methods, please comment. I’d like to know your experience.
