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Setting up a macbook with Paralles tomorrow. When I did mine, I used the instructions so I could use the bootcamp partition with Parallels (which went fine), but that was with 2.0. Is that still supported?
Also, when I did mine, Bootcamp was pretty insistent I use FAT32 (which I did) is this still the way to go? Should I consider NTFS and why?
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NTFS might be better with regards to stability. FAT32 is more compatible with Mac, but does not have as good an infrastructure to prevent corruption and breakdown of organization at the lowest level of data.
NTFS is not as compatible with Mac files, but has a more stable infrastructure. Also able to store smaller files, easier.
I suggest, if possible, to go for NTFS. However, if you are planning to drag and drop from windows to Mac, then FAT32 is more compatable. For me, I don't need to exchange files from Mac to Windows (drag and drop), so NTFS is better for me. Upgrade Parallels if you can.
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wasn't aware of the datacorruption issue. I seem to remember that bootcamp didn't give you quite the flexibility on partition size with NTFS. Does that sound familiar? I guess I'll just have to ask her about the need to share files between the two os's.
If I did go FAT32, and she plugged in an external HD formatted NTFS, would there be a problem?
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OS X can read and write FAT32. It can only read NTFS.
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That's big Matt, thanks. ok here's a dumb question, when cloning the drive for BU using superduper to an extrernal FW drive formatted for the mac, can I assume the windows partion is safe? I would assume so, but was curious.
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>>can I assume the windows partition is safe?
Its safe but not backed up.
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thanks for the distinction. will use a window BU program for that. I guess I'm leaning towrds fat32. I'll clone her drive before we begin to be safe.
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There is a backup program out there, free of charge, that will apparently back up the windows partition. The name escapes me, but do a forum search. It should come up within the last week.
In addition, I have bought a separate external drive for Windows and will use Acronis true image to back up the windows side of life.
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You can share files just fine from an 'NTFS-formatte' virtual machine in Parallels. I would go with NTFS for stability and security.
The FAT32 'read and write' vs NTFS 'read-only' is only a situation (typically) with external and network drives (which can also there are workarounds). With virtualization, you don't have to worry about it if it is tied into the OS like Parallels does.
