What is the difference between Virtual PC software for a Mac and Virtual PC software for a PC

asks Katie

A. Virtual PC is a patented product developed and marketed by Connectix. It is designed to provide crossplatform software solutions on a single computer, whether it's a Mac or a PC. However, the software used on each computer system provides a different type of solution.

On a Mac, Virtual PC�creates a PC environment within�an Apple computer so that you can run PC programmes, access PC networks and share files with PC-based colleagues. Virtual PC for Windows enables�a PC�user to run multiple PC OSes (operating systems)�simultaneously on a single machine -�either as individual windows or as background tasks -�without having to repartition the hard drive or to reboot from one OS to another.

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Q. Can you tell me more about Virtual PC for a Mac

A. If you use a Macintosh computer, but also need PC compatibility at times, Virtual PC could be the software for you. It is designed to work with Mac OS 4 (or later) within a typical G3 or G4 computer, but it also works on some iMacs with enough memory.
Basically, you'll be running a separate�environment within your existing computer system. You can choose installation of one PC�OS or several, ie you can install DOS, Windows 98, Windows Me or Window 2000, or choose to have all of these operating systems running at the same time on your Virtual PC. However, bear in mind that each operating system will have to be purchased separately, with each OS pack costing approximately �125, on top of an original Virtual PC purchase price of �175�- so it can be quite expensive to run several systems at once, but it won't cost as much as buying a PC as well as a Mac.
The Virtual PC software is pre-configured so all you have to do is install it onto your Mac hard drive (via CD) and click on it, as you would any other application. It opens up immediately.

The current version of Virtual PC for Macs runs twice as fast as previous versions, has improved memory allocation (up to 512MB of RAM) and has an expandable memory capacity, ie it can grow as necessary�- using up memory on your virtual hard disk as it needs to rather than being allocated a pre-set amount of memory.

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Connectix also provides other types of software for Mac users. DoubleTalk has been designed to make Mac-PC networking seamless by enabling Power Mac users to connect to PC network servers and printers from within a familiar Mac interface, not within a Windows environment. Copy Agent is personal back-up software designed for Macs that streamlines and automates all backups - and you can choose whether to back up immediately after finishing a document for example, or you can schedule automatic and unattended backups. In addition, RAM Doubler 9 triples your available memory on an iBook or an iMac.

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Q. What system requirements would I need to use Virtual PC on a Mac

A. It depends on what Virtual PC OS you are installing, so the actual memory you need will vary, but the most you'll need would be for Windows 2000 - so you would need Mac OS 4 or later; 80MB minimum of RAM (160MB recommended); 1.5GB free hard disk space, and a CD Rom drive for installation CD.

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Q. Can you tell me more about Virtual PC for a PC

A. Virtual PC for Windows provides cross-platform compatibility on one computer. If you normally have to switch operating systems (which will also mean rebooting your PC) to play games or music you will no longer have to, you will just open up a new application instead.

Although this is very useful, Virtual PC for Windows only really comes into its own in a work environment. It can really cut down on time and complex switching of networks and operating systems, eg it can run legacy applications (that normally require an older operating system) while using a new OS.
In addition, it is also suitable for companies that need to support multiple platforms including IS, call centres, training facilities and software developers all at the same time.

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Q. What are the system requirements to run Virtual PC on a PC

A. Like a Mac it will depend on the actual operating system you're installing, and memory allocation is more complex, so check out the Connectix website for accurate system specifications: www.connectix.com.

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Q. Are there any alternatives to Virtual PC

A. One alternative is called Partition Magic. It isn't half as powerful (though it only costs �30), but it does allow you to install multiple operating systems. More information is available on this product at www.powerquest.com.

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by Karen Anderson