Windows on a Mac
Please Wait
It is HIGHLY recommended to wait to see if you will need Windows or utltize any Windows-specific programs/application for a class prior to getting everything setup.
Option 1: Virutal Computer Lab
Advantages
- Managed by Pamplin IT
- 99% Uptime
- Software is preinstalled
- Good performance as it is not relying on local machine
Disadvantages
- Requires internet connection
- Cannot provide custom development environments (required by some BIT classes)
Cost: No cost
Requried App: MS RDP from the AppStore (https://itunes.apple.com)
Time to Install: 5-10 minutes
Process: Put in a ticket to request access
More Information: Pamplin Virtual Comptuer Lab Information
Option 2: Local Virtual Machine
Advantages
- Easy to switch between macOS and Windows
Disadvantages
- Slower performance since RAM / processor are divided
Note: It is highly recommended to have AT LEAST 16GB for the Local Virtual machine to run well
- Additional cost from some 3rd party software
- May stop working with macOS updates
Cost: varies
Software Options
- Parallels - http://www.parallels.com/
- VMWare - https://www.vmware.com/products/fusion.html
- VirtualBox - https://www.virtualbox.org/
Time to Install: 20-25 minutes
Option 3: Bootcamp
Advantages
- Good performance - users full resources of computer
- No additional costs (built-in to macOS)
Disadvantages
- Must shutdown macOS completely to switch to Windows
- Hard Drive is divided *
*Note: hard drive doesn't divide well if it is almost full. Most have have at least 40GB free
Costs: No additional cost
Time to Install: 60-90 minutes (+ Windows Update times)