Disclaimer

The Third Party Content provided here is obtained from sources believed to be reliable and no guarantees are made by Syracuse University, ITS or the providers of the Third Party Content as to its accuracy, completeness and utility. Usage of this product is completely at your own risk.

VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is third-party software which allows users to run virtual operating systems (such as Windows XP or Vista) on their Intel-based Macintosh computer. The virtual operating system runs as an application from within OS X allowing users to quickly switch between each environment.

VMware Fusion can be downloaded here.

Advantages: Allows users to quickly switch between OSX and Windows.
Disadvantages: Windows may run more slowly then if it were installed directly onto the harddisk.

Bootcamp

Bootcamp is a utility included with OS X which guides users through the process of installing Windows XP or Vista onto the harddisk of their Intel-based Macintosh computer.

Click here to open the Apple webpage and watch their bootcamp instructional video.

Advantages: Windows runs more quickly then it would from within a virtual environment.
Disadvantages: A reboot is required to switch between operating systems.

Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop for Mac is a software product by Parallels, Inc., a developer of desktop and server virtualization software. Released on June 15, 2006, it was the first software suite to bring hardware virtualization mainstream to Macintosh computers with Intel processors.

Download the demo here.

Advantages: Allows users to quickly switch between OSX and Windows.
Disadvantages: Using Windows Vista's Boot Camp partition results in needing to reactivate Windows.