Putting Windows on a Macbook question

ColtCrazy · 01-07-2012, 10:03 PM

It's not that there isn't a wealth of knowledge out there for this, but there's so much that it's a little overwhelming. I want to put Windows on my Macbook to run a few old programs I have and to run Old Republic as well. It seems that Bootcamp is my best option, performance wise. What do I actually need to get this done? Do I need a disk copy of Windows 7? Thanks. I can usually do most things with a computer, but this seems like a big move and it's got me hesitant.

Lonnie · 01-07-2012, 10:18 PM

Yes you need a Windows 7 disc/license. Then you pretty much follow the instructions for Bootcamp. Apple has a good page that pretty much covers it all. Apple - Support - Boot Camp

Once done you either fully boot to OSX or Windows, so there's no overlay or virtual machine involved and you can get full performance for your Windows games. I actually have Vista installed on mine and have been too lazy to redo it with Win 7.

kcchief19 · 01-07-2012, 10:25 PM

Yes, you will need a copy of Windows to install. Bootcamp allows you to essentially create a drive partition to run Windows on your Mac.

It's not your only option, but your only option that comes installed with Mac's OS. The downside is that you can only run either the Mac OS or Windows ... you can't run both at the same time.

I have Parallels installed on my Macbook and I'm generally pleased with it. It allows you to run Windows and the Mac OS simultaneously. However, I've had some crash disasters with my Mac and while I've never been able to trace them back to Parallels, I have my suspicions. I've considered uninstall Parallels and Windows to see if that makes a difference.

ColtCrazy · 01-08-2012, 01:57 PM

Thanks guys. I'll snag a Windows disc and go from there. Hoping I have the guns to run Old Republic.

Icy · 01-09-2012, 06:39 AM

I use both bootcamp and WMware Fusion or Parallels.

When I need to run resource intensive games like BF3 or Skyrim, I use bootcamp to run Windows 7 natively, when I just want to play a text sim or an old game, I run windows inside OSX in a virtual machine through WMware or Parallels.

01-07-2012, 10:18 PM	#2
Lonnie High School Varsity Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Midlothian, TX	Yes you need a Windows 7 disc/license. Then you pretty much follow the instructions for Bootcamp. Apple has a good page that pretty much covers it all. Apple - Support - Boot Camp Once done you either fully boot to OSX or Windows, so there's no overlay or virtual machine involved and you can get full performance for your Windows games. I actually have Vista installed on mine and have been too lazy to redo it with Win 7. __________________ Lonnie

01-08-2012, 01:57 PM	#4
ColtCrazy College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Midwest	Thanks guys. I'll snag a Windows disc and go from there. Hoping I have the guns to run Old Republic. __________________ The Field Generals and Statis Pro Basketball Super League

01-09-2012, 06:39 AM	#5
Icy Pro Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toledo - Spain	I use both bootcamp and WMware Fusion or Parallels. When I need to run resource intensive games like BF3 or Skyrim, I use bootcamp to run Windows 7 natively, when I just want to play a text sim or an old game, I run windows inside OSX in a virtual machine through WMware or Parallels. __________________

01-07-2012, 10:25 PM	#3
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	Yes, you will need a copy of Windows to install. Bootcamp allows you to essentially create a drive partition to run Windows on your Mac. It's not your only option, but your only option that comes installed with Mac's OS. The downside is that you can only run either the Mac OS or Windows ... you can't run both at the same time. I have Parallels installed on my Macbook and I'm generally pleased with it. It allows you to run Windows and the Mac OS simultaneously. However, I've had some crash disasters with my Mac and while I've never been able to trace them back to Parallels, I have my suspicions. I've considered uninstall Parallels and Windows to see if that makes a difference.

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