Prepressforums.com

frani2001 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 12:45 AM

Has anyone run Parallels desktop for mac to run windows (or any other OS) in another window on your mac. It is supposed to be better than Virtual PC so I've read.

http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/

It got a good review from MacUser but just wondered if anyone had used it in the real world. I Am between job roles at the moment and need to use a Mac and PC, I don't want to run two machines if possible and I have just invested in the new Quad core 3Ghz Mac and dont have the cash to shell out for a decent PC.

Dupple · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 01:54 AM

Not tried that but I have tried this which isn't quite as flexible and has the advantage of being free

http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

frani2001 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 02:25 AM

Thanks for the reply Dupple. As good as that looks and I can imagine it has its advantages for some people, I need to run both systems simultaneously rather than having to reboot each time to access the other OS.
I know there are alternative applications that run similar to Parallel so anyone has tried any of those please feel free to comment on your experience with them.
Another thing playing on my mind is where does this leave you with vulnerability to Viruses etc. One of the many advantages to running an Apple OS is that there are no known viruses / worms etc. If I start to run Windows in this manner does it open me up to potential problems of this nature?

beermonster · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 05:01 AM

yes it does

if you have mac microshaft office and you open a pc file on your mac that has a macro virus - you are still at the mercy of the virus and whatever nastiness it can do. this was a handy hint in mac format a while back - it was something i was wary about when getting office n stuff - luckily i dont get many files done in word n the like

i have a pc for sale chap! going cheap after my lad bought a new one. monitor as well - 15 in flat screen. not much ram - 500 i think, 30 or 40 gig hard drive - anyway - has some stuff on it

pm me for more info if you are interested ok

Dupple · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 05:46 AM

Your Windows files will be vulnerable but viruses cannot jump the species barrier. The exception to that would be word files with macros and the such like even then they would wouldn't be able to execute any code. However an infected file can happily live on your Mac and be transfered to another machine

Cory · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:23 AM

I've been running parallels for a few months now and have been impressed with it... windows runs much faster than OS X on this machine.

the new beta version with Cohesive mode is quite nice...can toggle between windows and OS X like it's nothing...in fact, you don't really know when you are in windows...

I've just been using it for the occasional Publisher and old pagemaker jobs for now..

they offer a freee 14 day demo I believe

frani2001 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:58 AM

Cheers BM but I dont really want to go dowm the second hand PC route either.

@ Dupple - So does that mean that if I did get a virus on the wondows OS and it totally screwed things up I would still be able to reboot in Mac OSX and not experience any problems?

@Cory - What Windows are you running? it runs faster than OSX - wow, what Mac is it your on? Publisher is one of the apps I would be running but the main one would be Accura, our MIS system.
I've not actually got the new Mac yet and I am currently on a G5 PPC but as soon as I get my new Intel machine and it is set up I will be dloading the demo.

Cory · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 07:01 AM

I'm running XP Pro on a dual 2.66 MacPro

get as much ram as you can afford....I currently have 2 gigs but feel like i'm hitting the top sometimes....

I would try and get 4 if possible.

Joe · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:17 AM

I'm running Parallels too and agree with Cory. Load up on as much RAM as possible. You'll need it running two OS's. 4 gb RAM would be just peachy. The Mac and Windows are completely separate. In fact the whole Windows install is just one file on your Mac. Need to get rid of Windows and start over? Delete that one file and it is gone. My suggestions is to set Windows up as a clean system and then make a disk image of the clean install. Anything goes wrong down the road, delete the WIN OS file, restore the disk image and it's like a brand new PC again. Also I run AVG and Windows Defender on the XP side to keep it problem free.

The only glitch I've seen is my USB printer/scanner/copier. I have to turn it off and then back on again while in Windows to get OS X to release the USB port to Windows but that's a minor inconvenience.

I've found nothing that won't run on the Windows PC and it is faster than my old PC. I'm sure there are advantages to BootCamp but I wanted Windows to run alongside of OS X also and this program is worth every penny of the price.

You can load Vista through Parallels too but Microsoft has put it in their licensing that you aren't allowed to do this on the bottom two tiers of Vista (Home Editions). Only the top tiers of Vista (Business Editions) allows you to install Vista on a Mac.

Dupple · #10 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frani2001

@ Dupple - So does that mean that if I did get a virus on the wondows OS and it totally screwed things up I would still be able to reboot in Mac OSX and not experience any problems?

You'd be fine. It's like you've a Windows using buddy down the corridor who's all messed up but your Mac will be OK but still able to pass on infected files.