There are a couple of ways for you to get Windows 7 up and running on your Intel powered Mac. Now, you can install the new Windows 7 Microsoft OS in a virtual environment on your Mac for free. Windows 7 remains on schedule for general availability on Christmas 2009.
Just follow these simple steps to get Windows 7 up and running in a virtual environment on your Mac in no time.
Firstly, you need to download and install VirtualBox (Mac, Windows), a free virtual environment developed by Sun Microsystems to let developers test out apps, or even run a new OS virtually, in this case, Windows 7.
One of the benefits with this method is the ability to run Windows 7 without having to restart your computer.
You can launch the OS straight from your Mac.
Now, the next step is for you to download Windows 7 Release Candidate (2.36GB) once you got VirtualBox setup.
Now, you are all set to launch VirtualBox. Once you do, simply create a new Virtual Machine and remember to set the RAM to 1GB for optimal performance. You will also want to choose to install Windows 7 from your disc drive or from a mounted image – both are fine. When asked where you want to install the OS, just leave the default settings being your virtual drive.
The rest of the installation process is all smooth sailing. Just follow the simple wizard questions you would normally see when install Windows.
And that’s it! You’re done! You got Windows 7 installed on your Mac on a virtual environment.
Of course, if you had wanted, you could have installed the OS on a partition, but you would have to constantly cycle through the operating systems by restarting your computer each time.
The Windows 7 Release Candidate is free and will run straight to June 2010.
Update: This article noted general availability of Windows 7 for Christmas 2010, it is scheduled for Christmas 2009.
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Questions? Write to Hercules K at hercules@business2press.com
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May 19th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Your timeline is off by quite a bit. The latest notes from Microsoft and at least one manufacturer is that RTM will happen late Q3 or early Q4 of 2009, with general availability around Christmas of 2009, not 2010.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Your timeline is off by quite a bit. The latest notes from Microsoft and at least one manufacturer is that RTM will happen late Q3 or early Q4 of 2009, with general availability around Christmas of 2009, not 2010.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Your timeline is off by quite a bit. The latest notes from Microsoft and at least one manufacturer is that RTM will happen late Q3 or early Q4 of 2009, with general availability around Christmas of 2009, not 2010.
May 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Hi Nathan,
I apologize for that, I just got a bit confused, so much to remember. I've updated the article. thx!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Hi Nathan,
I apologize for that, I just got a bit confused, so much to remember. I've updated the article. thx!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Hi Nathan,
I apologize for that, I just got a bit confused, so much to remember. I've updated the article. thx!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I love OS X, but I might just do it cuz i'm bored lol…..
btw, 1 thing i really hate on Mac OSX is when ur computer name ends with an S, on the screen saver it puts “NameS'S” …. when it shouldput “NameS' ” without an additional S….. fix it Apple!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I love OS X, but I might just do it cuz i'm bored lol…..
btw, 1 thing i really hate on Mac OSX is when ur computer name ends with an S, on the screen saver it puts “NameS'S” …. when it shouldput “NameS' ” without an additional S….. fix it Apple!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I love OS X, but I might just do it cuz i'm bored lol…..
btw, 1 thing i really hate on Mac OSX is when ur computer name ends with an S, on the screen saver it puts “NameS'S” …. when it shouldput “NameS' ” without an additional S….. fix it Apple!
September 25th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I can't wait for Christmas 2007. I will be getting Windows 7!
September 26th, 2009 at 1:17 am
I can’t wait for Christmas 2007. I will be getting Windows 7!