Installing Windows 7 on Mac

We're very excited about Windows 7, and we know that users, too. In the end, hopefully Windows 7 will be what Vista is. Lee is an explosion of work in Windows 7 Useful tips for users of personal computers, and users of Mac, who use Windows to work or to test for compatibility should not be deleted. Hey, I could never again to a computer with a full time (and I'm sure that does not buy a laptop that does not have the word "Mac" in), but this does not mean that I was uninterested and unexcited about Windows 7

While the Intel Macs can run Windows in Boot Camp 7, for most users, the easiest method is simple and the use of virtualization. Thus, you can use all the features of Windows 7, not dual-boot. Big stumbling block for the virtualization game and play HD video, have fewer problems in Windows 7, as these areas have not yet adapted, and are not ready for a few hours anyway.

Three major players are in place for virtualization on the Mac are:

* VMware Fusion
* Parallels Desktop
* Sun VirtualBox

I have installed Windows 7 in the latest version of each program and to adjust settings for optimal results.

Here are some common parameters to consider the following questions:
* You want them to at least 1 GB of RAM for Windows 7 Beta
* For best performance on the Mac, this is useful, at least 2 GB of RAM for OS X, go to 3 GB of RAM and a higher range.
Reserve about 40 GB of disk space to install a virtual machine. If you do not have space on your hard drive, you can use an external hard drive without any problems (this is what I do)
* Turn off the 3-D graphics, because it is not working in one of the virtualization software, now may be errors and

VMware Fusion 2.0
VMware Fusion is not officially compatible with Windows 7 but she is fine - even on the path to unity! Please note that I have VMware Fusion 2.0.1, but I was told that VMware Fusion 1.1.3 works with Windows 7 device may not work correctly, but everything else should be OK. Upgrading to 2.0 is free for 1.0 customers, so if you are not improving, you can use on the go. Fusion 2.0 has some features and really worth to upgrade.

Tips and tricks:
* Do not forget to use the Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 x64, as the operating system of choice. Simple installation works, as long as Windows Server 2008 is that you have chosen.
* Turn off the folder. There are currently authorized, and it is possible to disable it. This does not mean that the folders and applications may be damaged.
* Once again I turn off 3D graphics, because it conflicts with some DirectX appications


Other ideas:
* VMware Fusion 2.0 is the only program with a true "auto-install." This means that the activation code in a dialogue before starting the installation, and all this in advance so that you can actually take a step back for several minutes, while the virtual machine Windows 7
* This also means that automatically install VMWare tools, although not specifically for Windows 7, things like audio and video drivers, so you can resize the screen to your liking, use the device and listen to music.
* The performance was solid, rather than Vista and XP.
* Unity mode, but can slow down your system. If you are not less than 4 GB of RAM instead of window mode.

Parallels 4.0
Latest 4.0.3810 (today) will automatically recognize and configure Windows 7 Previous work with 4 parallel builds Windows 7, but with the new version of the sequence in a way, and better in my tests.


Other thoughts:
* Do not forget to install Parallels Tools. Both earlier versions 4.0 and 4.0.3810, Parallels Tools installation hung and should be abolished. But in both cases, after you restart the virtual machine (the one you install the latest updates for Windows-7), the tool is installed and working properly.
* The current version is compatible with the sequence, and rather quickly.
* Automatic configuration of the virtual machine was also a pleasure to touch, even if you manually through the installation of Windows 7 in my tests, the latest version of Parallels 4 best results with Windows 7 on my computer.
* All accounts of the forum said that Windows 7 is not working well under Parallels 3.0

VirtualBox 2.1.2
VirtualBox is a favorite destination for many of my colleagues at Download Squad bloggers, because it's free and will always be fairly robust. The most recent, 2.1.2, is also compatible with Windows 7 as a guest operating system of the door.

Tips and tricks:
* Note: 1 GB of memory in Windows 7 VirtualBox default 512, but it really is not enough.
* In addition, VirtualBox recommended 20 GB of space for virtual machines, but 40 really is better. You can use the extension block, so that only the fact that today, but the system has some room to breathe.



Other ideas:
* In the process of creating a virtual machine is not as easy as Fusion or Parallels. I am not saying that it is very difficult to determine just clunky.
* By default, audio and USB are disabled. After you install Windows 7, you must manually add the configuration VirtualBox.
* Despite the support from the guest (VirtualBox version of Parallels or VMware Tools), the size of the windows Windows 7 is still a bit slower than the other two programs.
* The total was slightly under VirtualBox in the other two programs, at least in my tests.
* There is no possibility of the unity or consistency, VirtualBox either full screen or smaller screen size on your computer.
From the observations above, VirtualBox is the perfect way that only tested and working. Not as smooth as the other two programs but this! Thank you!