windows on a Macbook Pro?

[Becs]

I need to instal Qwin imaging software on my Macbook so I can perform some image analysis at home. They don't do a Mac version. What's the most cost effective way of running Windows on a Mac? I've heard something about VMWare software but what else do I need to get up and running?

Thanks!

 

[StuAff]

I need to instal Qwin imaging software on my Macbook so I can perform some image analysis at home. They don't do a Mac version. What's the most cost effective way of running Windows on a Mac? I've heard something about VMWare software but what else do I need to get up and running?

Thanks!

Becs,
Two basic options:
1. Boot Camp. Will enable you to set up a Windows partition on your Mac & dual-boot into either OS. Full speed, not ideal if you ever need to move files back and forth but there are various ways to handle that. You'll need a Windows licence- probably best to buy one specially for the Mac install. Microsoft's protection etc won't let you use any old install CD you have knocking about, you won't be able to activate it.
2. VMWare Fusion & Parallels Desktop. Both pretty good- run within the OS X environment, so no need to reboot, easy file sharing etc, but slightly slower than booting into Windows. Can use a Boot Camp install or their own custom Windows setup. Again, you'll need a Windows licence.

 

[Howard]

I use Parallels - it's pretty polished. Purists will say it's noddy, and that VMWare is better. They may be right, but if you just want to run a couple of apps I think Parallels works fine.

 

[Becs]

Thanks guys. I literally just need it for this one programme so I will probably go for option 2, hopefully Uni will be able to help me out with the windows license.

 

[Carwash]

If it's just for one program, WINE might be all you need (depending on the quirks of the program!). http://winebottler.kronenberg.org/ is a nice flexible version for OS X if you don't fancy compiling it yourself.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

parallels is expensive and significantly slows down my laptop (professional limited edition white with max ram). whilst boot camp is free. get your hands on an old copy of xp and you should be able to install that without a license. i put vista on parallels, took it of and used boot camp since. if you need to swap files between os then just use the shared folder function, or just find it in the tree. hope that helps.

the other choice which is cheap but does need a trusting friend. is to use gotomypc, and have your software on the friends pc.