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Matthew Jackson · Nov 6, 2001, 04:09 PM

Hi, I was wondering in someone could explain to me virtual pc: functions, advantages, pitfalls, and maybe recommend one if it's worth it. Will I be able to log on to sites suxh as kazaa or -i-mesh, pc peer to peer file sharing sites with this?

Many thanks in advance.

MJ

lenkman · Nov 6, 2001, 06:32 PM

VPC is a wonderful PC emulation program that allows you to run most PC apps on your mac (but I assume you know that).

The main pitfall is speed - I run it on a G3 Powerbook, and it is god-awful slow. Supposedly VPC is faster on a G4, but I have never used it on one, so I assume this is true due to Velocity engine, but don't know from first-hand experience. (also it doesn't support a 2nd processor)

I would suggest VPC if you have to use a PC program - especially an older one - but don't want to buy a whole new computer to do so. Simple PC apps usually will run just fine - but don't try photoshop, or some program that needs a good computing system. VPC simply won't cut it.

With regards to Kazaa, iMesh, or any other file sharing service - I have used Kazaa on VPC 4/Win98SE and not encountered any real problems. I would assume that the other file sharing networks will work fine under VPC. However, like most PC Software companies, I am 99.99% sure that they will not offer tech support if you run into probs while running their programs under VPC.

Might want to check this out for more info: MacNN's Review of VPC 4.02

Hope this helps.

ps - this really is in the wrong forum. Maybe MacOS 3rd party software?

[ 11-06-2001: Message edited by: lenkman ]

Cipher13 · Nov 6, 2001, 06:47 PM

It depends mainly on how much RAM you have and which Windows system you wanna run.

Windows 95 files for me. Windows 2000 is awfully slow. Windows 98 is a nice inbetween; it can run things 95 can't.

I use Windows 98 solely for Morpheus, and other irregular ventures. It works fine.

My system is lacking in RAM though. G4 400/128.

[ 11-06-2001: Message edited by: Cipher13 ]

Euphrates · Nov 8, 2001, 09:04 PM

VPC runs Morpheus fine and it even runs RA 2 pretty well, although I have to admit I'm using a dual 800 with 1 gig of ram. VPC as a rule can run most non-3d programs and games pretty well. Peer to Peer stuff will probably work well, the internet shouldn't be detrimented through VPC.