Option Two: Boot Camp
Instead of using virtualization, which sometimes isn’t as compatible as a “real” PC, why not just run Windows? Since Apple and PCs have the same hardware now, it should be possible, and it is with Boot Camp.

When you create a Boot Camp partition, and reboot into Windows, your Mac becomes a PC. This is the best way to deal with applications and hardware that just don’t run as well when virtualized (games, music apps). The downside is that you can’t switch back and forth between OS X and Windows without rebooting.

Let’s look at how to create a Boot Camp partition:

1. Run the Boot Camp Assistant – It is located in the Utilities folder.

2. Print out the instructions to a PDF and read them before continuing.
Note: The major thing to remember is not to partition the drive when you enter the Windows installer but you MUST allow Windows to format the partition.

3. Set your partition size. You may choose 32GB, Equal sizes OS X / Windows, or manually resize it to your own liking.

Boot Camp Assistant

4. After partitioning, choose “Start Installation”.

5. Insert your Windows install CD when prompted and the computer will reboot.

6. Follow the Windows installation procedure.

7. Important – When asked for which partition to install onto, choose the one that Boot Camp created. It will say .
- If you choose the OS X partition, you will lose everything on your computer.

8. Allow Windows to format the partition. Choose either Fat32 or NTFS. (I prefer NTFS).
Important – Do not choose “Leave the file system intact”. The installation will fail.

9. The installer will run and the computer will reboot when finished.

10. When the computer is ready to reboot, eject the CD so it will boot from the hard drive.
- If it boots to OS X, go to System Preferences and choose “Startup Disk” to boot into Windows.

11. When Windows starts up and you get to the desktop, insert your OS X install DVD.

12. The OS X DVD will now install all necessary drivers.

13. Reboot and you are finished.

You can set which startup disk you prefer (OS X or Windows) in the System Preferences – Startup Disk (OS X) or in the Control Panel – Boot Camp (Windows). Alternatively, when you start the computer, hold down the Option key and you can choose which you prefer to boot into. I personally boot into OS X and then hold Option at startup to go into Windows.

Note: You must be running 10.5 Leopard to create Boot Camp images. While 10.4 Tiger can still run Boot Camp images / partitions, Tiger was only a beta test of Boot Camp. As of January 2008, Tiger can only run the images and not create them.

Whichever option you choose, they each have their own advantage. For business apps that you will be using from OS X and Windows at the same time, choose Option One. For primarily Windows apps that don’t virtualize well, and games, choose Option Two.

The Final Word
Since I began writing this four part series, gasoline costs have risen over 30 cents. If you can eliminate one or two days from your commute by telecommuting you would save at least $5 or $10 a week depending on your commute distance and choice of car. The environmental benefits are also important. As the situation stands to only get worse, I would strongly consider requesting with your department head that they allow everyone to telecommute at least one day a week. (Rotating, so everyone isn’t out on the same day).

If you use a PC, these methods are also available in Windows and work just as well. By all means, refer back to the different methods in each part of this tutorial in setting up your telecommute. If you have further methods that you use in your own telecommute, feel free to share them in the comments.

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