OSX: run Windows on bootcamp in virtualbox

Source: Internet
Author: User


There are some introductions on the Internet, some in English and few in Chinese, such:
This is quite detailed. There are a lot of figures, but they are not comprehensive. Machines of different ages have different configurations.

This section describes how to use a script program to complete most of the configuration work, instead of manual configuration.


Why?

At present, Mac cannot completely replace windows. Many people need to install and use Windows on Mac, even here. Many Windows programs have not been transplanted or web-based.

Currently, the most common and simplest two methods are physical installation and virtual machine. the two have their own advantages and disadvantages, but they are explained in detail here. However, there are two points between them that seem to be irreconcilable: physical installation can run at full speed, especially for applications with high real-time requirements, for example, physical installation is required for games, but the disadvantages are also obvious. to switch the system, you need to restart the computer, which is too inconvenient; A major advantage of a virtual machine is that it can run Windows simultaneously on a Mac system, but its disadvantage is its slow speed.

If you are the kind of user who needs to run Windows programs at full speed at any time, this idea is not suitable for you, and you should spend the same or less money to buy a high-configuration PC. in fact, we do not need to run Windows programs at full speed most of the time, such as chatting, online banking, small games, downloading, watching an online TV, etc, therefore, it is more suitable for most people to use Windows without restarting virtual machines.

Why virtualbox

Of course, parallels and VMWare can be used, and it is quite convenient. parallels is easier. however, they all charge fees. We will not discuss how to use them for free. we have free open source software. virtualbox (hereinafter referred to as VB) is highly popular because it is open for free,
Its functions are not as complete as the other two commercial software, and many problems of the old version will also leave a shadow to others, but with its development, running Windows Virtual Machine on VB is already quite comfortable.
Now it supports full screen, resize, and variable size window modes.

Using virtualbox on Mac has the following advantages:

  • Virtualbox is free of charge, so you don't have to worry about cracking;

  • Sun was initially supported. Now sun was bought by Oracle and his strength is strong.
    Rest assured;
  • The upgrade is also convenient. You can use this script to automatically download and upgrade the new version;

Limitations

This script is the first available version. It is not long. It is Bash, and many operations are far-fetched.

The script is mainly for Windows 7, but Windows 8 is not optimized, but it is easy to expand.

The script does not perform special processing on multiple models. The reason is very simple. There are not many models for testing and there is not much time.

There must be a lot of buckets, and the functions need to be expanded.


Procedure

In general:

  1. Manually install the bootcamp windows and driver,
    Start Windows successfully, and remember the partition name of windows.
  2. Use scripts to install virtualbox software and configure virtual machines.

It is strongly recommended that:
Backup! We recommend that you back up data at any time. This is an essential step.

Script description

  • Running the script directly displays help information.
  • The-W parameter is required, followed by the Windows partition name. The default value is bootcamp.
  • If the virtualbox installation package has already been downloaded, you can use the-D parameter to download it again.
  • If you do not want to install virtualbox, use the-I parameter.
  • -V is used for debugging and displaying process information.
  • -2 parameter. After completing the virtual machine configuration for the first time, you can change the hard disk interface ide To SATA because Sata is highly efficient.
  • Note: The old machine may need piix4, but the new machine can use ich9. according to the specific configuration of your computer, this part cannot be completely tested. You need to try it on your own.
  • This script does not write anything to the Windows partition. It can install virtualbox and Its Extensions at most,
    The virtual machine description file named win7 is automatically generated. User data will not be lost or tampered.

The script is here

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