Hi.  As most of you know, I am a long-time Macintosh user and fan, and I play COD:UO and COD4 and do my work (MS Office, Dragon Dictate, Safari internet, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.) on the Mac, but I use Win7Pro, Dragnon Naturally Speaking 12.5, MS Office, Adobe Reader, and MS Access at work on a pc.

However, I am partitioning my Mac hard disk and installing Windows 7 Pro, so that I can run Dragon Naturally Speaking v.13 (I use DNS 12.5 and Win7Pro at work, and it works well, better than Dragon Dictate on Mac OS 10.6..8 or 10.8.  I will also be trying COD4 and COD:UO in Windows native format, to see if they run faster or better than with my Mac native versions (I know some maps will now be accessible on Windows that I can't run on the Mac, as I get a "Max Patch Planes" error and get booted from servers).  I strongly suspect that the reason I lose so many shootouts on COD is that **perhaps** the Mac version runs slightly slower than the PC version my (victorious) opponents are running.

My questions, the advice I need, are about overall setup, plus any suggestions/tips you can give me.  I've used WinNT and Win7Pro for a while now, so I know some basics, and this isn't an issue for MS Office, as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files are fully interchangeable between Mac and Windows and I have Office for my Mac and for my work PC.

So, to start, how much of my hard disk should I set aside for Win7Pro and some apps and storage space.  I have nearly 1.2 TB still available and 8 Gb of RAM and a decent video card (ATI Radeon HD 5750) with 1 Gb of VRAM as part of my Mac.  I'll use Apple's BootCamp to do the partitioning.

Lamron recommended AVAST for antivirus.  Any other suggestions?

Is there a system program I can get, similar to Norton System Works, to keep my Win stuff (registry, etc.) clean and functioning, some app that doesn't hog resources or cost an arm and a leg?

I don't understand about "start as administrator" (versus...what?  I'll be the only user on my Mac of Windows and will be the only person logging in), and all those desktop shortcuts to launch apps with (COD4, etc.), so if anyone has a quick tutorial on that, I'd appreciate it.

Easy backup?  I guess......***guess***......I can continue to use my Apple TimeMachine backup external HD and it will also backup the Windows side/stuff, but I don't know.  But any native Win backup app you like/recommend?

I'm having a lot lot lot lot lot of popups with FireFox lately on Win7, and I am super tired of the "Are You Sure You Want To Connect To This Untrusted Site?" messages on FireFox on the internet sites, and can use Chrome, but I'd prefer FireFox, if anyone has any suggestions.....?

I am not interested in MS Internet Explorer, but I guess I'll have to have it for those sites that don't like FF or Chrome.  It's a free download, right?

And is Adobe Acrobat Reader the way to go for reading and saving and filling in existing pdf forms?

I like Irfanview for viewing image files.  Any other suggestions?

Thanks for this, and any other things you can suggest.

I'm going to wait for a few suggestions before I do the partitioning and installation of Win7Pro.  I already have a full retail dvd copy (still unopened).

Private suggestions, links, etc., if you'd prefer, can got to me at JBubba57 [at] yahoo [dot] com.

hey red

i would use the avg free 2014 for anti virus and there are a couple windows maintance tools available with use instructions in the dui tech support forums... C cleaner / N cleaner and malwarebytes.

all 3 are free to use and update as needed, i use all 3 and have had very few problems with my set up over the past 10 yrs.

old

— RedRock wrote

However, I am partitioning my Mac hard disk and installing Windows 7 Pro, so that I can run Dragon Naturally Speaking v.13 (I use DNS 12.5 and Win7Pro at work, and it works well, better than Dragon Dictate on Mac OS 10.6..8 or 10.8.  I will also be trying COD4 and COD:UO in Windows native format, to see if they run faster or better than with my Mac native versions (I know some maps will now be accessible on Windows that I can't run on the Mac, as I get a "Max Patch Planes" error and get booted from servers).  I strongly suspect that the reason I lose so many shootouts on COD is that **perhaps** the Mac version runs slightly slower than the PC version my (victorious) opponents are running.

Most programs start off to run natively on windows, later on they go to mac and Linux but the support/patches seem to stem for windows sometimes they overlook the other os. That's why on some games like coduo you will notice hickups on some maps and things that you don't on windows.

— RedRock wrote

So, to start, how much of my hard disk should I set aside for Win7Pro and some apps and storage space.  I have nearly 1.2 TB still available and 8 Gb of RAM and a decent video card (ATI Radeon HD 5750) with 1 Gb of VRAM as part of my Mac.  I'll use Apple's BootCamp to do the partitioning.

I guess this depends on how much you want to use windows..... if you think your going to be doing it 50/50 then do 500gb if not do 250 gb (that way you have your windows/some programs and some storage...... me personally I would do the 500gb that way you have it split)

— RedRock wrote

Lamron recommended AVAST for antivirus.  Any other suggestions?

I used Avast in the past and loved it........I only have Nortons now because xfinity offers it for free if they didn't I would use Avast now hands down one of the best antivirus programs around. I tried AVG in the past and it didn't come close to Avast.

— RedRock wrote

I don't understand about "start as administrator" (versus...what?  I'll be the only user on my Mac of Windows and will be the only person logging in), and all those desktop shortcuts to launch apps with (COD4, etc.), so if anyone has a quick tutorial on that, I'd appreciate it.

Administrator rights is something windows started strongly using in vista, basically it's their way of trying to help control rogue programs that have full administration rights. Some legit programs require you to give them rights to run properly and you may have to set to previous os versions for some programs to run correctly. Windows 7 is MUCH nicer then vista...... example with Vista I had to run coduo in administrator and compatibility to an older OS .....but in Windows 7 I don't have to do any of that..... Trust me if Windows 7 was like Vista I would tell you to NOT TO DO THE partition. But windows 7 is 1000 times nicer then  Vista.....Part of Windows protection ........called UAC? Visit ]http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/user-account-control  for more info as to what it is.
Anyways hope that sort of explains some of it.

— RedRock wrote

I'm having a lot lot lot lot lot of popups with FireFox lately on Win7, and I am super tired of the "Are You Sure You Want To Connect To This Untrusted Site?" messages on FireFox on the internet sites, and can use Chrome, but I'd prefer FireFox, if anyone has any suggestions.....?
I am not interested in MS Internet Explorer, but I guess I'll have to have it for those sites that don't like FF or Chrome.  It's a free download, right?

Check your date and time on your pc ...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHFEXDkx0F0
http://geeks.im/how-to-disable-firefox-this-connection-is-untrusted-message/

I use to use a browser called Slimbrowser years ago...... right now  I mainly use IE (yes IE is free......http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/download-ie )

— RedRock wrote

And is Adobe Acrobat Reader the way to go for reading and saving and filling in existing pdf forms?

I use Acrobat Reader

— RedRock wrote

I like Irfanview for viewing image files.  Any other suggestions?

I also use irfanview fast simple and free can't beat it.

— RedRock wrote

Thanks for this, and any other things you can suggest.

If you do text file comparisons I would suggest winmerge.
If you want to search directories/locations for text (this searches in the files and everything)
I would suggest   textcrawler.
I use a program called Izarc for compressed files (keep the zip associated to windows native tho I like windows quick peek into those)
if your looking for anything in  particular feel free to email me sarge [at] fssquaduo [dot] com
Hope this helps some and good luck.

Thanks much for the advice, old and sarge.
That helps a lot!

Hey Red, I've been a computer enthusiast since 1985 and I've worked in the IT department for on billion dollar company and have a computer repair certification from 1999. So weigh my advice as you see fit.

First, if you have an available SATA port and space in your Mac for another hard drive, I would buy a cheap 500GB instead of messing with you Mac OS drive.  When you install Windows that way, disconnect you Mac power or SATA cable, do a full install then reconnect it.  This eliminates issues with the Mac and Windows bootloaders.  You simple hit what ever key it is to bring up the boot option when your computer loads.  It has some other advantages also.

Windows 7 64-bit can work with as little as 30 GB but to install a few programs I would go with 50 - 60 GB.  

I would NEVER, EVER run a registry cleaner unless the only option is a full re-install.  Create a Restore Point before every driver or software install, and check for full functionality B4 moving on to the next step.

As far as backup, Norton 360, (free for Concast users but called something different) has the ability to backup you files, but you should use OneDrive or DropBox or one of the other solutions because you really need to backup only your files.  You probably have another solution to backup your Mac now that should include your Win7 partition when completed.  

Admin vs Standard user: On your Mac everytime something wants root access the system asks for your password.  That is like a standard user in Windows 7, if you think ever time something asks for permission as an Administrator in Windows 7, you should be OK.  

Never select default setups in Windows, the installers will change you browsers home screen, add tool bars and install automatic updaters...none of which you want.

You should find out what type of all the hardware especially motherboard you have in the Mac and go to their websites and download drivers, install motherboard first, Intel Management Engine Interface, Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver, LAN, Video, USB, etc.  Usually they will require a reboot after each.  When done, got to Control Panel and System, and Device Manager and see if anything has an exclamation point or any other indication that the hardware is not operating properly.  Windows Update may be able to find the appropriate driver.

CoD used to have to be run in Administrator mode because it directly loaded Punkbuster and if it was not in Admin mode PB would not run and you got kicked.  Several years ago, the install change to install PB with admin rights but I always go to the Windows/System32 folder and right click on PB-A and PB-B (not their actual file name) and select run as administrator.  When you run the  PBsetup fro Evenbalance it should set things up correctly except placing the file in the CoD/pb directory.  You may need to right click on the CODUOMP.exe file and ring in Windows XP SP# compatibility mode if your video card gamma is not adjustable in game.

Good luck!!!

Hey Red, I've been a computer enthusiast since 1985 and I've worked in the IT department for on billion dollar company and have a computer repair certification from 1999. So weigh my advice as you see fit.

First, if you have an available SATA port and space in your Mac for another hard drive, I would buy a cheap 500GB instead of messing with you Mac OS drive.  When you install Windows that way, disconnect you Mac power or SATA cable, do a full install then reconnect it.  This eliminates issues with the Mac and Windows bootloaders.  You simple hit what ever key it is to bring up the boot option when your computer loads.  It has some other advantages also.

Windows 7 64-bit can work with as little as 30 GB but to install a few programs I would go with 50 - 60 GB.  

I would NEVER, EVER run a registry cleaner unless the only option is a full re-install.  Create a Restore Point before every driver or software install, and check for full functionality B4 moving on to the next step.

As far as backup, Norton 360, (free for Concast users but called something different) has the ability to backup you files, but you should use OneDrive or DropBox or one of the other solutions because you really need to backup only your files.  You probably have another solution to backup your Mac now that should include your Win7 partition when completed.  

Admin vs Standard user: On your Mac everytime something wants root access the system asks for your password.  That is like a standard user in Windows 7, if you think ever time something asks for permission as an Administrator in Windows 7, you should be OK.  

Never select default setups in Windows, the installers will change you browsers home screen, add tool bars and install automatic updaters...none of which you want.

You should find out what type of all the hardware especially motherboard you have in the Mac and go to their websites and download drivers, install motherboard first, Intel Management Engine Interface, Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver, LAN, Video, USB, etc.  Usually they will require a reboot after each.  When done, got to Control Panel and System, and Device Manager and see if anything has an exclamation point or any other indication that the hardware is not operating properly.  Windows Update may be able to find the appropriate driver.

CoD used to have to be run in Administrator mode because it directly loaded Punkbuster and if it was not in Admin mode PB would not run and you got kicked.  Several years ago, the install change to install PB with admin rights but I always go to the Windows/System32 folder and right click on PB-A and PB-B (not their actual file name) and select run as administrator.  When you run the  PBsetup fro Evenbalance it should set things up correctly except placing the file in the CoD/pb directory.  You may need to right click on the CODUOMP.exe file and ring in Windows XP SP# compatibility mode if your video card gamma is not adjustable in game.

Good luck!!!

Wow, Pist, I don't really understand much from the last two paragraphs.  Apple lets me know when updates for the OS are available or needed, and that's true for firmware updates (drivers, etc.), but that doesn't mean my drivers are the latest available, just what Apple recommends for my Mac OS and Mac Apps.  I fear if I try to update them on the Mac side, it will screw me up (my software runs really well and I have no graphics issues, etc., and I really trust Apple, all of us MacUsers do, and so far it hasn't been a bad ride at all).  But you are saying that for Windows, there will be a different set of drivers for my hardware that only Windows will use, that my Mac drivers won't be altered, is that right?  So I will be looking for the latest Windows drivers for my hardware, and I'll download those and install those, all from the Windows side after I've installed Windows and while I'm running Windows.  Is that correct?  I'll have to look into my Mac System Profiler and see how much it tells me about my hardware.  Otherwise, I don't know what it has or how to find out.

There are two ways to run Windows on a Mac.  One way is through a virtual machine interface, running VMWare Fusion or Parallels, for example, with Windows on the hard disk, and then the Windows apps run inside the Fusion or Parallels software virtual machines; this allows the user to switch effortsly back and forth from the Mac OS and standard operations and apps, to a window in which the Windows Apps are running at the same time.  The other way is to use BootCamp and partitiion the hard drive, install Windows, and then start up the Mac in either Mac or Windows.  Switching requires a shut down and new startup, but this is the how Windows will run fastest, and as close to native code as possible.  I won't be cracking my Mac to install any hard drives--that voids my Warranty, which I still have a year on, and I don't know how much room I have anyway.  If I had a Mac tower, that'd be different, but mine is the slender desktop all-in-one iMac.  I've never done SATA, but I know I can hook up external hard drives through USB, Firewire, or Thunderbolt. I'm not sure I can boot my Mac into Windows from an external hard drive, but I'll look into it.  Thanks for that suggestion.

Until I get Windows and my Dragon Naturally Speaking running smoothly, I'm not even going to touch gaming.  Then I'll load my games, get the updates, and then worry about PunkBuster.  So I might be back here later looking for some help.

But your info is a wonderful start.  Thanks.  Very glad to have you, an IT pro, as a resource.

Windows will install the OS and load what drivers it can based on what it finds.  Usually motherboard/computer manufacturers have a chipset driver that tell the OS what the equipment is on the motherboard.  Then either the specific drivers are loaded if you have them or if enabled, Windows Update will check and update drivers if enabled.  The installation should work without having all or any drivers unless you are missing the specific LAN driver.

Because Macs format drives differently than Windows, you will not see the Mac OS from within Windows but you will see the Windows OS from inside of the Mac OS.  

There is a problem with the current Intel HD Graphics adapter driver that causes a buffer overrun on OpenGL games, ie. Call of Duty:UO.   You do not want this software update or you will not be able to play the game:  "Intel Corporation Graphics Adapter WDDM1.1, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.2, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.3 software update released in May, 2014"  If you have any of the earlier updates you should not have a problem.  I had this issue on one of my computers so it took me a while to figure it out.

If you only run CoD, Dragon, and Office, and don't plan on doing a lot of surfing and watching videos, you can probably rely on Microsoft Security Essentials instead of buying something else like Norton Internet security but it's usually $20-$30 on Amazon anyway.

hey red

if you can afford it why not simply get a refrubished or cheap windows pc?

it might save you all the headaches and time of having to mess with all kinds of settings on your mac to get a windows system running on your current machine.

i limited my search to desktops and under $500.00 just for these examples. you can always look around for something else on the site. www.tigerdirect.com

check out these for a few examples, and maybe get pist's advice on which one would best suit your needs. only one of these is a scratch n dent*  the others are brand new pc's.

all the examples shown come with a mouse and keyboard. they all have a standard 1 year warranty and a couple include free shipping.

none come with a monitor but you can pick up a 20 inch wide screen monitor from walmart.com for under $100.00 like these, or use your mac's screen as the monitor if your machine has the cable connection port to allow that.

if none of these suit what you need or are out of your price range check out your local pc shops they might have something to fit your needs and in your price range.

MONITORS:

http://www.walmart.com/browse/3944_3951_110915?cat_id=3944_3951_110915&facet=price:$50%20-%20$100%7C%7Cscreen_size_monitor:20%22%20-%2021%22

PC'S:

1: * this one is a scratch n dent

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9500598&CatId=114

it's $454.99 with windows 8.1 64 bit op system / 3.3 ghz quad core processor / 8 gb ddr3 ram / 1 tb serial ata hard drive / 1 gb ati radeon hd 7730 graphics processor.

2: new

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9095520&CatId=1886

it's $449.99 not quite as fast at 3.1 quad core. 500 gb hard drive / 1 gb graphics and 4 gb ram windows 8.1 64 bit

3: new

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8895082&CatId=114

it's 439.99   a 3.9 ghz dual core / windows 8.1 64 bit ops / 4 gb ddr3 ram intergrated graphics / 500 gb hard drive.

4: new

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8967432&CatId=114

it's 499.99    it runs on windows 7 home premium 64 bit ops / 8 gb ddr3 ram / 1 tb hard drive / 1 gb graphics / 3.0 ghz quad core.


just something to think about

old

Hey, OldAge.  I thought about that, but at this time, I'd prefer nothving another machine taking up desk space.  Windows was $149 (could have bought it for $80, but wanted to make sure it was a valid copy, and haven't installed it yet, hope it works) and Dragon Naturally Speaking was $99.  I really don't want to have to spend even that, but DNS works so well on Windows and saves me time (compared to Dragon Dictate on the Mac) that I'm willing to try $250, but not more; beyond that, I can make do on the Mac with dictating only after a fresh restart and with few other programs running, fixing errors quickly before Dictate goes too far along, and doing time-sensitive dictations on the work pc instead  Plus, I'm afraid if I do buy a Windows box, I won't be satisfied with a simple machine but will want to overspend and get something newer and hotter (impulse control issue, you know).  But  I will look over those links, and  I will keep your suggestion as a backup plan.  Thanks much for all the time you invested in it for me!!!

"prefer nothving" = prefer not having

sheesh

OMG!   Never buy a computer with an AMD processor!

— Pistazien wrote

OMG!   Never buy a computer with an AMD processor!

Please explain briefly.  How is it different from an intel processor?  My Mac has a 2.93 Ghz Intel Core i7.  It works, that's all I know about it.

Of those pc's OldAge listed, how do you know they're AMD without looking deeply into the specs?

hey red

of those pc's i listed for you these are the processors:

1: amd quad core fx 4200

2: intel pentium G 3240 3.10 ghz

3: amd a6 6400k

4: intel pentium G 3220 3.0 ghz

old

sorry red

forgot to tell you those specs are right there in the main description of the computer, along with the hard drive size / ram loaded / graphics capacity / and operating system loaded.

old