How to Run Windows 7 on OS X Lion with VMware Fusion

Recently, VMware released their latest version of Fusion 4 to run on OS X Lion. It is now even easier to switch to a Mac and run Windows simultaneously.

I am a recent convert to the Apple platform. I have been a PC guy for over 15 years and a Microsoft MVP for the last 8 years. I recently purchased a MacBook Pro 2011 15″ version. I immediately upgraded the memory from 4gb to 8gb and I just recently upgraded my hard drive from 500 GB to 1 TB. While some people like shopping in stores, I love shopping on Newegg.com.

Prerequisites

In order to load Windows 7 you must have the following:

• Licensed or trial copy of Windows 7
• Licensed or trial copy of VMware Fusion 4

Installing VMware Fusion and loading Windows 7

Installing VMware Fusion 4 is very simple. After downloading the file, click to open the downloaded file and drag the file to the Application folder. From the dock, select VMware Fusion. Select File | New and the virtualization wizard appears. Select “Continue without disk” to select a disk image or select “SuperDrive” to install from a DVD. Now you are ready to choose your OS and version such as Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and click “Finish.” You have the ability to customize your memory settings before or after. 20 minutes later, you have a Windows 7 machine you can use side-by-side with OS X Lion.

New Features in Fusion 4

Fusion 4 installed on Lion supports Lion’s new mouse gestures and takes advantage of Lions new Mission control features; you can add windows applications to Missions Control and Launchpad. Fusion 4 has a completely new and streamlined user interface and is easier than ever to create snapshots of your existing virtual machines. My favorite feature of Fusion is called Unity. Unity basically hides your virtual machine and allows you to see the applications virtualized. For example you would have a Windows version of IE stored in your dock and anytime you click the IE icon, all you see is Internet Explorer. How is that for the best of both worlds?

If you have ever considered an apple computer, now is the time. You literally can run both Windows and Mac on your computer. What is holding you back!