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I want to set up a windows pc via Bootcamp. In my limited experience, Win 7 is the new XP - I don't really want to go near Win 8.
Anyway, it seems that the main advantage of Win 7 Pro is backward compatibility with XP Sp3.
Pretty much all the software I want to run on the PC partition is web based but integrates with local software e.g. I need Office etc (no it doesn't like Open Office I've tried that already). I assume therefore that the XP issue is largely irrelevant.
So the question is.... would there be any reason why Win 7 Home Premium wouldn't be just as good as Pro?
On the other hand.... is my dismissal of Win 8 as the new Vista unfounded?
8 is very different on top but bugger all difference underneath. I found that when trying to bin it so the missus wouldn't loose it over the new laptop.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows7/products/compare#T1=tab01
Comparison link. If you rely on XP ONLY software then pro is required, office will run on anything really. It also includes backup stuff.
I run XP under parallels on my MBP (only as I had an XP license knocking about).
I have XP Sp3 on my iMac (VmFusion) but no spare XP licences for the laptop....sadly.
I have XP Sp3 on my iMac (VmFusion) but no spare XP licences for the laptop....sadly.
if you want an OEM license, I can get one from some XP machines we're binning at work? You'd need to download the OEM XP install DVD.
Thanks, I'll check with the tech bods that XP will be ok then.
How much?
Free. It's not exactly legit, but it's how I built my XP Parellels image, took a license from a machine in the scrap pile....
You might struggle to install an OEM copy of XP in bootcamp, the discs can be tied to a specific manufacturers hardware.
Yep that is a risk, although it worked for me.
The machines come from a local supplier and are built to spec, rather than off the shelf HP boxes, so I think the OEM license is a bit more flexible that some.
I can probably dig out the XP disc as well. Take it as returning the favour for all the guiding around Thetford Forest a few years back on Tuesday night rides..
Ooh thanks! 🙂
I'll ping you an email
I use Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit via Virtual Box (no need to pay for VM Fusion or Parallels) on my Mac. Works very well and no reboot required to use Windows.
IME XP licences are not tied to hardware, rather a Product Key will be tied to a particular OEM install disk. You might need to find a generic install disk e.g. not one issued by Dell or HP that will accept the Product Key. IIRC Product keys issued for Win XP with SP2 or 3 slipstreamed in probably won't work with an earlier OEM disk and vice-versa.
Under the licence conditions that you accept when you install Windows I am sure it states that OEM Product Keys are not transferable to new hardware; if that is the case you will be in breach of the agreement. I can't see anyone coming after you for it though...
If it bothers you I am sure you could pick up a cheap retail copy of XP, Vista or even 7 if you hunt around.