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General discussion

Is running Windows through virtualization my only option?

Aug 29, 2007 2:48PM PDT

I need to use Microsoft Project, and three add-ins (Premium Solver, Crystal Ball, Sensitivity Analysis Tool Kit) for Microsoft Excel. I am currently using the open office as a replacement for MS Office.

I'm not sure what my options are at this point. It doesn't look like there is a Mac version of MS Project.

Am I forced to buy virtualization programs such as Parallels or VMWare to run Windows and MS office? If so, which do you guys recommend?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Look at BootCamp
Aug 29, 2007 11:20PM PDT

No, Microsoft does not produce a Macintosh version of Project.

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re: Bootcamp
Aug 30, 2007 12:20AM PDT

Bootcamp can only a solution, assuming ccnb is using an Intel powered mac (their post, and their profile does not indicate what they use). Happy

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I did not check extensively,
Aug 30, 2007 12:40AM PDT
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I'm agreeing, but
Aug 30, 2007 12:46AM PDT

"they already understand the Intel-based Mac requirement" is not necessarily true.

I keep having people asking me to install // or VMWare, which they have already purchased, because they cannot make it work.
Guess what, G3/G4/G5 Mac's!

P

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Software versus hardware: The eternal struggle !
Aug 30, 2007 1:49AM PDT

I fell into this very trap this past summer. I bought the Adobe master suite as a graduation gift to myself last spring. Since I have been doing more video/DVD projects than anything else this past year, I looked forward to learning the pro-level video editing software included in the pricey package. I knew my little iBook was a poorly equipped machine for the job, but I could at least practice with the stuff. Right? Wrong! On the box was the message... "Adobe Premier Pro, Encore, and Soundbooth require a multicore Intel processor."

Oh well... I knew I needed a new computer anyway if I wanted to start producing hi def video projects. In the meantime, I have the other software to work with. And iLife 06 still does a great job for video production, even if it is a bit limited sometimes.

grim

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Point taken from both of you...
Aug 30, 2007 2:22AM PDT

and with the links and your comments, now the original poster should be aware of the Intel-Mac requirement...

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Intel Processor
Aug 30, 2007 6:49AM PDT

I need to update my profile. I do have an Intel Duo Core Processor, and aware that boot camp is also an option.

I thought I left the MS Windows world, but guess not. My class uses MS Project, and I have not experience with it, so I can't say how much resources it needs.

I will need to buy a new MS OS for any of these options. I am open to using a virtualization software, if it offers benefits over using bootcamp. Someone mentioned that using boot camp, my computer will be vulnerable to viruses, will this happen with virtualization softwares?

What do you guys recommend as far as long term use and flexibility?

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If you are running Microsoft Windows
Aug 30, 2007 8:13AM PDT

or Microsoft Internet Explorer or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) products, you will be vulnerable to all the malware that can impact them...

If you never connect the machine to an IP or ethernet network, never share files with ANYONE (either over a network or optical disc or usb drive or other externally introduced media) or otherwise keep the machine isolated, then you cannot get any malware deposited on the computer. If the computer is connected to a network and running Windows, it is just another Windows machine on the network (the hardware manufacturer does not matter - nor does it matter if it is BootCamp or VMWare or Parallels - running Windows is running windows, no matter how you slice it or try to rationalize it. If you are running Windows, you need to take ALL the Windows precautions you would normally take (firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc...) which are NOT necessary in the Apple Macintosh OSX environment.

MS Project will take all available resources whether it needs them or not.

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I can't give Windows the Boot,
Aug 30, 2007 8:42AM PDT

Thanks for the clarification. Now that I have a better understanding of it all, running Windows under any method is vulnerable. If the a virus attacks the computer, are you able to run the MAC OS problem free?

Which method do you suggest to run Windows?

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I defer to others with more experience
Aug 30, 2007 9:02AM PDT

using BootCamp or VMWare or Parallels.

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(NT) I've got a G4, so I'm clueless.
Aug 30, 2007 12:33PM PDT
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(NT) However, Bob seemed to be dropping hints below...;-)
Aug 30, 2007 12:34PM PDT
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If a virus attacks your PC partition...
Aug 31, 2007 1:49PM PDT

your Mac partition will be untouched. They have nothing to do with one another aside from sharing space on a hard disk. The Mac does not use Windows resources and Windows can't read Mac drives.

Your likelyhood of getting a virus, malware, etc. while running Windows on your Mac is dependent on how you use it. If you get lots of spam you are at risk. If you automatically open emails rather than view only the subjects you are at risk. If you download torrents regularly you are at risk. If you surf to questionable web sites (hey, you know what they are), you are at risk. These situations are launch pads for malware. When you don't do unsafe computing you are a lot less likely to get a virus or other bug. That said, hey, if you are gonna do unproductive things on your Mac, at least do 'em in OS-X. Use Windows for the tasks you cannot do on your Mac and you'll be a lot safer.

As far as the difference between Boot Camp and Parallels et al, Boot Camp doesn't allow you to access your Mac files and programs while running Windows and the VR programs do, but at the expense of speed. Both make your Mac appear to be a PC from the ground up, drivers, peripherals, control key, everything. Obviously Boot Camp costs nothing, but both need a licensed copy of XP or Vista to work.

I'm using Boot Camp, but I do wish I could access my Mac data sometimes, like when I email myself a password and it's stored in Mail...can't look it up in Boot Camp Windows though you can with Parallels. But then again, Halo2 plays better during a Boot Camp session than running under Windows via Parallels.

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XP Pro or Vista Business?
Aug 30, 2007 5:14PM PDT

The campus bookstore offers the above two Windows OS for the same price. I remember Vista having problems, as any new OS would. Which would is the better route?

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VMware Fusion using the Boot Camp partition. Awesome!
Sep 1, 2007 3:12PM PDT

XP Pro. Hands down.

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Why VMWare Fusion with Bootcamp Partition?
Sep 1, 2007 3:37PM PDT

I've read many posts from people referencing using VMWare Fusion with the Bootcamp Partition. What does this mean and why people do this?


Is the reason that some programs run better natively vs via virtualization?

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Convenience
Sep 1, 2007 4:12PM PDT

I guess we're lazy?! Not really, in theory you can both read and write (if you're crafty) the Boot Camp partition from the Mac desktop, but it's awkward and you have no GUI. Running something like VMware Fusion or Parallels off of the Boot Camp partition allows access to it from the Mac desktop (running at the same time as, or "parallel" to as it were, OS X) and saves you from having to restart the machine every time you want/need to do something in Windows. I hope this answers your question. Others, feel free to elaborate!

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You can't save to windows with VMWare?
Sep 1, 2007 5:37PM PDT

When you use // or VMWare, aren't you able to save while you are in Windows? Maybe I am missing something here, I am under the impression that you can run Windows and Windows Programs while you are in the Mac OS, so why would saving be a problem?

I am going to try the VMWare trial and see how it goes.

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Installed VMWare and Vista, now going back for bootcamp
Sep 3, 2007 8:13AM PDT

Just an update on my experience.

During the install of VWMare it said that it will be able to recognize any partitions created by bootcamp. Does this mean that I can use the same partition for both bootcamp and VWMare?

I am uninstalling VMWare and installing bootcamp first before I install VMWare.

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BTW, have you priced Parallels vs. VMWare?
Aug 30, 2007 5:42AM PDT

One's a bargain and with COHERENCE, quite a stunning achievement.

Bob

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Bob, are you hinting at VMWare over //
Aug 30, 2007 12:56PM PDT

I am not familiar with the specifics of each of these programs. VMWare is lower in price and has been in the news recently. It must be popular for a reason right.

What is COHERANCE? What's your experience with it? Loves, Hates?

Once I settle between these two, I will need to see if I can get everything I need by next week.

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Coherence
Aug 30, 2007 9:45PM PDT

Details about this, and how it relates to Parallels, can be found at their website:

Coherence Details

I believe Bob is leaning this way, //

Happy

P

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Tell us the priices.
Aug 30, 2007 9:56PM PDT

Last time I looked at VMWare it was $$$.00, Parallels is only $$.00

Bob

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$ for // and VMWare
Aug 31, 2007 1:37AM PDT

// is $79.99 and VMWare is $59.99 after $20 rebate

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Sounds like a bargain.
Aug 31, 2007 2:56AM PDT

Is 20 bucks the deciding factor?

That's lunch?

Bob

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Deciding Factor: Functionality and Performance
Aug 31, 2007 4:30AM PDT

The price is not the major deciding factor, even though it is a decent amount of money.

I've seen alot of posts in favor of VMWare, but also a few strong reviews from people who have used both and say Parallels is better. It seems like its going to vary from person to person, but I wish there was a good comparison between features and performance.

Any help?

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Got broadband?
Aug 31, 2007 4:56AM PDT