Tekserve has been pre-installing Windows on Apple computers since the day Boot Camp was released. We can guide you through your first Mac purchase, transfer your files, and find all the accessories you need to get started right away. Visit us anytime or make a shopping appointment to find out more, test Windows on a Mac in person, and place an order.
Windows on a Mac Services We Offer
- Pre-install Windows 7 on any new Mac we sell in about 24 hours for $200. Price includes an OEM Windows license and labor.
- Set-up your new Mac with Boot Camp, Parallels, VMWare.
- Transfer data from a Windows computer to the Mac side of your new Apple computer in a few days for an additional fee. Transfer can include your personal photos, music, movies, documents, desktop files, and email.
- Experienced sales staff will find the best accessories, anti-virus software, and backup solutions for you.
About the Windows Installation Methods
We offer two different methods to install Windows on your Mac. Let us know how you plan to use your computer and we'll help choose the best method for you.
1. Boot Camp (included with OS X)
Apple's Boot Camp allows you to "boot" into the Macintosh or Windows operating system when you start-up the computer.
Pros: This is the fastest method to run Windows with the best performance for applications that require a lot of memory (RAM) and fast processing. Applications requiring accelerated 3D graphics (OpenGL & DirectX) are also supported so this is the best method for video games. Plus this is the only method that supports FireWire devices.
Cons: Rebooting every time you need Windows takes extra time. Boot Camp requires partitioning (dividing) your computer's hard drive into a Mac and Windows side. You have to choose your partition sizes carefully because they cannot be changed without erasing your entire hard drive and reinstalling everything. You cannot share files between the Windows & Mac side of your computer easily. Finally, this requires a Windows-based method of backing up your Windows data.
2. Virtualization Software: Parallels Desktop & VMWare Fusion (add about $80)
Virtualization software allows you to run Windows and Mac OS X at the same time by virtually splitting your computer in two (instead of actually splitting your computer in two with Boot Camp). Parallels and VMWare are in a constant battle to provide the fastest operating speeds and best features. You can read about the latest available versions on the Parallels and VMWare websites.
Pros: No rebooting required. Windows programs can run side-by-side with your Mac applications. You can easily copy/paste text and files between the operating systems. You can expand and contract the size of the Windows installation as you go (instead of being stuck with permanent partition sizes.) Parallels & VMWare include a built-in Windows backup method called snapshots. You can also run a large variety of other Windows and Linux operating systems.
Cons: Running two operating systems at once will slow you down so you'll need a fairly well equipped Mac or some patience. Hit and miss support for accelerated 3D graphics (DirectX, OpenGL) means that some programs and many games simply won't run using this method. You cannot use any FireWire devices.
What are the disadvantages of using Windows on a Mac?
The core challenge of running Windows on your Mac is the lack of free technical support when you run into problems. Apple only provides phone support for the Boot Camp Setup Assistant (free within 90 days of purchase or if you are covered by AppleCare). Microsoft will provide assistance with activating Windows but after that support starts at $49. VMWare or Parallels support for any issues beyond initial installation start at around $29. Your best free resources are the support databases for your method of installing Windows (Apple's Boot Camp, VMware, or Parallels) and the Google search box. The community of users running Windows on a Mac is small, so you may run into issues that no one has solved.
The second challenge is that running two operating systems requires you to know the basics of both Windows and Mac OS X (how to adjust preferences, find files, install applications, etc.) This makes data backup plans more complicated because you will need a separate backup plan to accommodate Windows. For example, Time Machine cannot backup a Boot Camp Windows installation at all and it works very poorly with virtualization software.
The last major concern you should have is security. If you install Windows on your Mac, it is just as vulnerable to viruses, worms, and malicious attacks as any PC running Windows. Although we haven't seen any infection cases, all the bad stuff could mess with your Mac files as well as your PC files. You will definitely want to protect your Windows installation with anti-virus software. You should also consider installing anti-virus software on the Mac side as well. Tekserve carries the Intego Dual-Protection suite with anti-virus software for the Mac & PC side of your computer. You can add it to your new Mac at Tekserve for half price ($49) when we pre-install it for you.