Apple Boot Camp - How easy is easy?
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Apple claims it has made it "easy" to install Windows parallel to OS X on your Mac. But how easy is easy? Let's take a look at the instructions posted on the Apple Boot Camp web page (http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/).
1) First, you need to make sure your Intel-based Mac has the latest version of Mac OS X and the latest firmware update. These provide technologies that make Boot Camp possible. It's also wise to print out the Installation & Setup Guide.
Ok, so this seems straightforward enough. Making sure you have the latest version of the software and firmware isn't usually a bad idea, in any case.
2) The Boot Camp burns a CD with the drivers Windows needs to recognize Mac-specific hardware. It is very important to do this before starting the Windows installation.
So step 2 is to run Boot Camp, and create a Windows "drivers" disk. Why didn't they just say that? And yes, once you start the Windows install, you can't pause to run Boot Camp, so it's understandable why it's so important to do this before installing Windows.
3) The software also helps you set aside hard drive space for the Windows installation, without moving any of your Mac files around. Just drag the intuitive slider to choose the size that's right for you. Boot Camp also helps you remove the Windows partition, should you so desire.
It seems another part of Boot Camp sets up your hard drive partitions, so you have a partition to install your Windows OS onto. So there is ANOTHER reason to run Boot Camp; it does more than just create a driver disk. Also, it seems they are nice enough to point out that if you are sick of Windows, you can utilize Boot Camp to eradicate it from your computer, completely.
4) Next, insert your Windows installation disc, restart and follow the Windows installation process. The only tricky part is selecting the C: drive manually. Be sure to get this right, or you could erase your Mac files accidentally. Remember, Apple Computer does not sell or support Microsoft Windows.
It's tricky to select your C: drive manually? Then how about some helpful hints?! A Mac user would be pretty pissed off if he lost all of his files when he was trying to install Windows. All you would hear is "that stupid Windows, I tried to install it and it messed up my whole machine." And the bit about not selling or supporting Microsoft Windows? Loosely translated: "If you screw up, you're on your own!"
5) After the installation process is complete and your Mac has booted Windows, you'll need the Macintosh Drivers CD you burned previously. When you insert the CD, it will automatically install the drivers. Follow the instructions in the Installation & Setup Guide for helpful hints.
This part seems like the most straightforward piece of this process so far. You boot to Windows, put in the driver CD, and install your drivers. No problem.
And now, my favorite part of this whole instruction list.
6) Don't forget to follow best practices for updating and protecting your Windows system.
This item links to a small item in the margin, entitled "Word to the wise." Here's the text of that section:
Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC. That means it'll be subject to the same attacks that plague the Windows world. So be sure to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft Windows security fixes.
Is it me, or does this seem like a little potshot at Windows, as well as a slight deterrent to make people afraid to install Windows on their Mac?
In any case, these steps could be summed up into a few shorter and more steps in my opinion:
- Run boot camp, follow instructions. Driver disk will result.
- Install Windows, as normal. When it reboots, install drivers disk.
- If you have a problem, don't call us.
Is it me, or is that the gist of it?
Next: So why did they really do it? >>
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