Using Windows on your Mac with VMware Fusion

Are you a Windows user who recently switched to a Mac but for some reason misses having your old operating system?  Probably not, but what if you would like to use a Windows operating system on your Mac and have it run at a lightning fast speed?  No, I’m not talking about Boot Camp.  Rather, VMware Fusion is the right product to use.  Its compatibility and simplicity make this application one of the best virtual machine applications in the market.

VMware Fusion has several features that may appeal someone to this product.  One feature is an action called “unity.”  This allows you to join both your Mac and Windows operating system into one. This makes it easy for migration of files between operating systems.  You can even run Windows-based programs like Internet Explorer or Solitaire while you’re using your Mac.  Another feature of VMware Fusion is that you can suspend your virtual machine whenever you want; there’s no need to constantly shut down the system because by suspending it, you’re technically turning off the machine.  Furthermore, VMware Fusion allows you to download multiple virtual machines.  For example, you can create a virtual machine with a Windows XP OS and have another virtual machine with a Linux OS.  Finally, VMware Fusion allows you to connect certain devices to your virtual machine, one of them being the iSight Camera.  While I was testing the connection of my iSight camera, I had a bit of difficulty because it wasn’t connecting properly, but that is something that can definitely be done at a later time.

I have had this product for quite sometime and I am quite impressed with it.  I don’t use it on a regular basis, perhaps two or three times a month.  Yet, of the times I’ve used it, I have not had any trouble with it.  It’s a very hands-on program, so experimenting with it is perfectly fine.  Another great thing about it is that unlike Boot Camp, I didn’t have to partition my hard drive.  This saved me a great deal of time and effort.

VMware Fusion costs $79.99.  Upon purchasing the product, you’ll download the program and you’ll have to insert the serial number, which you’ll receive by e-mail.  However, when you purchase VMware Fusion, you are only purchasing the program; you’re not purchasing an OS along with it.  You have to purchase an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) software of the OS you wish to use.  Overall, VMware has a great interface and it’s certainly a nice add-on if your a Mac user.