Multiple Operating Systems?

Question

Okay, this is more of a what if. Is it possible to run Mac OSX and Windows on the same computer? If I had an install disk for each, and had partitioned my drive appropriately?

Answer 1

Using MacOS and Windows on one machine is possible, but not as a dual-boot, but one on top of another...



The reason for that is, both OS's (Ooperating Systems) have a different architect and hardware support, so basically if oyu install a MacOS on a Windows, it won't run, and vise-versa.



You can notice this clearly if you visit any Linux site and attempt to download it, you will see that there is a different destribution for each architect.

Ex:

i386, x64, PowerPC, SPARC, etc

PowerPC is the Mac archite created by in 1991 by the Apple-IBM-Motorola alliance, which is also known as AIM.



Installing Windows on a MacOS is possible through Microsoft VirtualPC

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/virtualpc/virtualpc.aspx?pid=virtualpc



Otherwise, its installing MacOS on Windows through either VirtualPC or VMware

VirtualPC for Windows:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx



VMware Homepage:

http://www.vmware.com/

VMware Workstation Homepage:

http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/



VMware comes in two releases, one for Windows, and another for Linux, while VirtualPC comes in also, two releases, but one for Windows, and another for Mac.



Hope this answers your question...



Good Luck

Answer 2

Yes. If you are doing this on an older Mac, check into VirtualPC by Microsoft. You will need to have a copy of Windows.



If you are doing it on a new MacBook Pro or iMac (with an Intel processor) you can run both XP and OS X at the same time with a program called Parallels.



However, if you want bleeding-edge game performance, you should download Apple's free Boot Camp. This lets you reboot your Mac into Windows, and get like 40-50 frames per second in Half-Life 2.



Parallels is a lot more convenient, but it doesn't do video acceleration. Thus, Boot Camp is better for gaming, Parallels is better for general computing.



http://www.parallels.com/

http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/virtualpc/



Have fun!

Answer 3

im not sure. some guy above me said that newer macs have intel's, but macs and pcs are like apples and oranges. they are 2 completely different machines. ive been repairing pc's for 13 years and when i get on a mac, im like an old lady trying to figure out why someone cant just put the internet on a disk for her...

Answer 4

I am sure that is a sort of software version to allow you to do this on a Mac, but as a way to do this using different partions on the hard disk I am not sure. Very different enviroment. And I have used more that one (windows ver) and found it to be more trouble than it was worth.

Answer 5

Yeah you can. Have you heard of Boot camp. It runs Windows on a mac. I don't think there is anything for runing mac on windows.

Answer 6

You may want to look into VMware software that allows to emulate multiple operating system environments at the same time form the SAME computer.

Answer 7

Yes, it is possible. Newer macs run Intel processors, so it is possible to dual boot XP on them. See the links below.

Answer 8

You should be able to do it with the new intel base Macs.http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=EDB278F7&nclm=iMac

But you'll need to buy a Mac. http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

Answer 9

no... thats not duable. lol