General Mac hardware discussions: How can I use an external drive to run Parallels on MacBook?
How can I use an external drive to run Parallels on MacBook?
by stacy Menendez - 10/20/07 6:39 PMHere's my problem, please help me fix this:
I have an 80GB, 1G RAM MacBook. I have used about 2/3 of the hard drive. I want to run Windows XP on my Mac to use just Internet Explorer (to use Trellix in Verizon WebCentral) and Quicken for Windows.
I use Parallels now, but the going is SO SLOW!!!
So today, I bought a Maxtor 120G External (OneTouch) hard drive. I've also bought an additional 1G of Ram (the middle screw is entirely too tight - do they have a special screwdriver for the screws???) that I have yet to install.
My questions are:
1. Can I use the external drive to be the Windows XP Operating System/thereby dedicating my internal drive to OS X?
2. Is the Maxtor 120G OneTouch the right external drive? I haven't a clue!!!!
Another problem, incidentally, is that my Macbook only has 2 USB ports!! I am thinking that I should look around for a portable external hard drive powered by my firewire connection (which I don't use) - is there such a thing - since this Maxtor external drive really needs to use both of the usb ports - or should I just find a great portable usb hub??
Any and all help is warmly welcomed and desperately needed!
Stacy
No.
by R. Proffitt
- 10/20/07 7:32 PM
In reply to: How can I use an external drive to run Parallels on MacBook? by stacy Menendez
Sorry, but Windows (any Microsoft version so far) does not install to or run from external USB or Firewire drives. That extra ram will help.
Bob
External Drive
by mrmacfixit - 10/21/07 7:21 AM
In reply to: How can I use an external drive to run Parallels on MacBook? by stacy Menendez
Firewire is the connection of choice for the Mac. Any external drive with a Firewire connection will work for you. Some external drives come with USB, FIrewire400 and Firewire800 which just about covers all the bases.
It would seem, from what you say, that you don't plan on using this drive as you wander around with your MacBook.
If that is the case, you would be better off with an external drive that has its own power supply and that does not rely on drawing power from the USB or Firewire ports.
My advice? Take the Maxtor back to the store and check on-line for external firewire drives. Macsales.com, MacMall, CDW are just a few places to start.
On the subject of the memory. There probably is a special screwdriver, but any short screwdriver with the correct end, should work for you. Be careful though, damage caused during the installation of Memory, by the end user, is not covered by the warranty or AppleCare.
On the subject of Quicken. Seems to be a bad excuse to run Windows when there is a version of Quicken for Mac, it probably came with your machine. Transferring data from the Windows version to the Mac version is quick and easy.
That still leaves the Trellix thing, maybe there will be other posters on that subject
P
Re: External drive
by stacy Menendez - 10/21/07 9:24 AM In reply to: External Drive by mrmacfixit
Thank you for your reply! I did buy Quicken for Mac, but it just isn't the same - it doesn't do some of the important functions that I have come to rely on. You're totally right about the lame excuses for using Windows at all - I could just adjust to the Quicken for Mac and I can use a third party web publishing software (free - NVU) for the website. I am still kind of a Windows junky, though - I can't seem to let go!!
I have the same feelings about the Maxtor drive. Now I'm sure that I'll have to pay the 30% restocking fee for opening it, but I guess it'll be my opportunity cost.
I can't believe that the mac only comes with 2 usb ports, though. Ugh!
Thanks again,
Stacy
Quicken for Mac
by rjacksonb - 12/18/07 7:57 PM In reply to: External Drive by mrmacfixit
"On the subject of Quicken. Seems to be a bad excuse to run Windows when there is a version of Quicken for Mac, it probably came with your machine. Transferring data from the Windows version to the Mac version is quick and easy."
The Mac version of Quicken is notoriously bad.
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