Windows on a Mac

[Gregg]

What does it take to get Windows installed on a four year old iBook running Leopard?

Which version of Windows should be used? (Not Vista, for sure!)

I know I need to provide more info. I'll try to find out what programs need to be interfaced.

[sandyman]

iBook = G4 processor.  That means that the "easiest" way to run Windows is to use Virtual PC. It has been discontinued by Microsoft but you may find it second hand on Ebay. I have seen it in action and it's SLOW....  

Parallels which runs on Intel Macs is way faster as it does not have to emulate the processor.  Virtual PC has to emulate an Intel chip on a PPC chip that's why it's slow.

There is also QEMU.  Appart from the fact that it exists, I don't know much about it so YMMV.

Depending on what you need it for it might be easier just to buy and old PC or laptop instead


Sandy

[Gregg]

Thanks, Sandy. Here's some additional info:

"I'll want to run various types of Engineering software: SolidWorks, or some other CAD software like AutoDesk Inventor, maybe Matlab or something similar. Another issue is that these are huge programs and I'm concerned that they'll slow down my computer too much."

[sandyman]

In that case definitely buy a second hand PC or laptop.  You will get one that will do the job fairly cheap.  You might get away with doing it on the iMac running Parallels

but on an iBook running Virtual PC........

If you "need" to run it on a laptop get back to TS/me for recommendations.

Sandy

[daryl66]

QUOTE(Gregg @ Aug 13 2008, 06:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Sandy. Here's some additional info:

"I'll want to run various types of Engineering software: SolidWorks, or some other CAD software like AutoDesk Inventor, maybe Matlab or something similar. Another issue is that these are huge programs and I'm concerned that they'll slow down my computer too much."

Gregg:   I run windows xp via Virtual PC6 on a G4 and Virtual PC7 on a G5 (required) for one specific application. Sandy is correct it is SLOW and I would not even consider it for any type of engineering app. As far a slowing down your computer as long as you do not have the VPC launched when you are doing Mac things it should not have any effect on your machine.

Daryl

[Gregg]

Thanks Daryl. I don't think a new MacBook is in the cards for awhile. But, that would be the ultimate solution.

[sandyman]

QUOTE(Gregg @ Aug 14 2008, 12:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Daryl. I don't think a new MacBook is in the cards for awhile. But, that would be the ultimate solution.

Or buy a cheap 2nd hand PC. Not nice in some ways but you'll get a solution pretty quick.  

Not that I'm a "Tight Fisted Fifer" but it would be cheaper (in the short term) than a Macbook.

Me? I'd prefer a Macbook but as they say "Needs must when the Devil (or Redmond) Drives "

Sandy

[Gregg]

You're right Sandy. Seeing how this is for my son, who is a graduate student supporting himself, the cost effective route is probably going to be the answer.

[cdub1988]

Hey Sandy.

(((((( waves )))))))

Good to err, see you.

Chris

[Paddy]

Gregg, I'd suggest he/you check out the system requirements for Autodesk Inventor. Like pretty much all CAD software, we're not talking lightweight here. (I doubt I'd try to run it under Parallels on an Intel machine either - I think BootCamp would be the way to go with this one!)

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index...p;siteID=123112

MatLab requirements: http://www.mathworks.com/support/sysreq/studentversion.html

At any rate, he should be able to find a PC laptop that will do reasonably well running these programs without spending as much as he would need to spend on an Intel MacBook. (though you've got to admit, this deal is pretty attractive: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB402LL/A )

[Gregg]

QUOTE(Paddy @ Aug 19 2008, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... he should be able to find a PC laptop that will do reasonably well running these programs without spending as much as he would need to spend on an Intel MacBook.

Yes, I think that's the route he has chosen. Thanks!