Intel Mac Users...What do you think of boot camp?

Question

I'm debating on whether or not to use boot camp. I'd like to hear some opinions, pros, cons, etc.

I've always hated Windows and can't fix problems on it, but there is a lot of hoeschool software I'd like for my kids to use. I'm debating on installing boot camp or just getting them a cheap pc.

Answer 1

Google for a product called "parallels" instead. Boot camp forces you to reboot, can't share drivers, etc. Parallels allows you to use Windows in a window, shares drivers, much better solution.

Answer 2

I'd say get a Mac, but you should wait until the new version of OSX (Leopard) comes out in the next few weeks. I have not yet really gotten a chance to use boot camp since I haven't had enough money to buy a copy of Windows, but I have done some extensive reading on how it works/how easy it is to use, and it seems like it is a very good piece of software. It makes it very easy to create a partition (dedicated section of your hard drive) to run windows as well as a way to easily choose between the two operating systems. The only thing is in order to switch between OSX and Windows is to reboot your computer, which isn't really a big deal, because if you're using educational software, you're probably not going to want the kids to rapidly switch anyway.
The other drawback that I'm aware of with Boot Camp (and installing windows on your Mac) is that the partition of your computer where windows is running can still be subject to the same problems that a regular windows PC can run into, though it won't spread over to the Mac side of the partition. But that won't be a problem if you restrict usage of the internet from the Windows side and just use it for educational software and the like. Just use OSX to handle all of your internet stuff.
The reason why I'm saying that you should wait for Leopard though is because (and this is still an unconfirmed rumor) you should be able to run windows programs right off of OSX, making Boot Camp somewhat unnecessary.
In general though, I have no reason to tell you not to use Boot Camp, as it's a very reliable, easy to use, free piece of software that will allow you to benefit in owning a Mac. Well that's my $0.02, and I hope you find it useful.

Answer 3

Depending on the software you want them to use, you might try a cheap PC, http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1959081&Sku=M975-5012 I don't know if that one will fit the bill or not but it has the following features:

Pentium 4 at 1.8GHz
256MB SDRAM memory
16MB TNT2 graphics
40GB hard drive
CD-ROM drive
160W power supply
No Operating system
-$180

It's definetly low end but it SHOULD be able to handle educational software just fine. I'd suggest getting more memory for it, you can add another module to it (you cannot put three modules in it but it does have three slots, you can only use two of them).

If you have an Intel Mac at home... then all you will have to do is get yourself a Windows XP SP2 CD (home or Pro, doesn't matter) and the run Boot Camp to install it. This option is free save for the cost of the XP CDs.

Answer 4

I'm on the Mac Mini right now, connected to the PC.
I am NOT (repeat: NOT) a PC fan.
However, the Mac Mini (which I use at work) is flexible enough to check my PC-based e-mail.
Nice.

As for Boot camp, I've not tried it.
It's on this computer.
Should I try it?
I can float along pretty well in the PC-world, but essentially all I use the PC for is to check e-mail.
I use the Mac-side for ALL my graphics, music and video editing.

Answer 5

I think with bootcamp you get the best of both worlds. You can get a lot more software for windows its true so if you don't want to get a cheap pc go for the bootcamp. I am a mac person myself but i use windows at work and school so it depends on your personal opinion but you have to keep in mind what your kids will be subjected to in socoety at school, library etc..... Good luck and spend wisely!!!!

Answer 6

Theoretically you could run any homestead windows courses and you're unlikely to have a project. yet when I had to wager the place a project could crop up, i could say that Parallels is greater in all threat to have a project than boot camp (via fact Parallels runs homestead windows as a digital gadget that are slower), and a interest is greater in all threat to have a project than different varieties of courses (via fact video games are greater choosy approximately what variety of hardware you have and its overall performance).

Answer 7

problably better getting them a cheap pc. why risk having your Mac infected with Windows type viruses