Cheapest & easiest way to have Windows on my MacPro? Very limited needs for this.

[GeneL]

I just bought an Omron blood pressure device that allows a record of results to be kept. Problem is the software is Windows only. If I can get this working, then I'd like to add a biofeedback application that is also Windows only.

I don't want to use anything else and I don't want ever to go online using Windows. Am I wrong in thinking that my computer can't be infected if I never go online using Windows?

Anyway, this is what I'd like to do, but my needs are so limited and I really can't afford to spend much money on this, so if it costs too much I'll forego using the software.

I'd appreciate any tips.

GeneL

[clay]

vmware fusion for about $40 AR + Windows 98SE for about $40 or less on ebay or other used source. that's the setup I use on my macpro and it works great. Sometimes I wish I had 2000/XP, but overall my current setup meets my needs.

[sekker]

You can also try crossover for the mac; if you app works, you would not even need to add windows.

http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac/

[GeneL]

Thanks clay and sekker.

I'm way behind the curve re using Windows apps, since I haven't had any needs until now.

One thing, the application requirements were shown as XP and, I think, 2000. I'll bet they are expensive.

I guess I'll try Crossover which sounds like an elegant solution. If that doesn't work I might just forget about it. It would be nice to have the use of these apps, but not absolutely necessary.

[jdc]

XP is about $100

newegg.com should have it

[GeneL]

jdc, I hate to say this, but it's not worth $100 plus whatever other application I'd need in order to use XP, just to use the two apps that I mentioned.

On the other hand, if Crossover works, that would be doable. I'll download the trial version and see what happens once I get the Omron BP meter.

[Mike Sellers]

Use Boot Camp and you only have to pay for the XP.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6832116056

[GeneL]

Doing a little google searching I ran across several mentions that Boot Camp requires an XP Pro 32 bit version.

So, no $90 XP Home?

What else do I need to know in order to use Windows XP? Is there any security risk if I don't go online using Windows or is there a risk just having Windows installed on my Computer?

TIA.

[modelamac]

Boot Camp does NOT require XP Pro - I have 2 Intel Macs using XP Home in the Boot Camp partition, and the iMac is using VM Fusion to run it.

I do wish I had XP Pro on them because it does a better(easier) job seeing my Macs on my network. As it is, I can do it, but have to jump thru hoops in the process. It's easier to see XP partition from the Macs. That seems to be the only advantage of Pro.

[GeneL]

I really hate to say this but, the Omron software for my blood pressure monitor didn't work with CrossOver.

I hate to spend the dough for one of the other apps that allow Windows capability plus a version of the Windows OS.

Any other ideas?