* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass offers advice on how to run Windows on a Mac without Boot Camp * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter suggests some essential tools for taking care of network problems
* Running Windows on a Mac without Boot Camp
By Steve Blass
Q: I tried the Macintosh Boot Camp and like being able to run Windows on a Mac, but the dual boot setup is painful. Can I get a virtual machine package that lets me run Windows in a window on an Intel MacBook?
A: Try Parallels Desktop. A 15-day trial version is available after you register on the Web site. After you install the software, use the virtual machine configuration editor to add your CD/DVD drive and a virtual hard drive to the default virtual machine configuration, then install your guest operating system.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Taking care of the network: Some essential tools
By Ron Nutter
Q: I just got promoted at a small but growing company. Instead of being responsible for just the servers and some of the user support, I now have to take care of everything related to the network. My predecessor didn’t seem to leave much behind in terms of what he used to take care of network problems. Do you have any suggestions?
A: At a minimum, you should have some type of cable scanner. This will help you identify cabling related problems when they crop up – and they will. The entry level models will do little more than tell you if you have a good electrical connection end to end. One good example of the kind of tool that would be good to have in your arsenal is the Fluke 620 LAN CableMeter. It can help you identify cabling issues such as crossed or shorted wires. It also helps when making patch cables to know that you have the wiring done right.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
