Digital Drawing for Designers

I receive numerous questions about installing AutoCAD on an Apple running Mac OS X. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Mac user and wrote and designed Digital Drawing for Designers using AutoCAD on my iMac.  Please contact me if you have any questions about the process or information below.

What you need:

• A compatible Apple computer - MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Pro
  I recommend you purchase any MacBook Pro with 4GB of RAM and a 250GB hard Drive minimum. I currently use the 13" MacBook Pro with the 24" Cinema Display Monitor.
  
• Windows XP or Windows Vista installation disk - Due to licensing restrictions, you usually cannot use the copy of Windows that came with your old Dell or HP... these versions will only install on the computer they shipped with.
• AutoCAD - AutoDesk is currently giving students a free 1 year subscription to AutoCAD 2010. You will need a .edu e-mail address to get the free 1 year subscription. Sign up at students.autodesk.com
• Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion (optional) - These programs allow you to run Windows XP and Mac OSX at the same time. You will need 4GB of RAM for this option.
• Virus Protection (for the Windows installation*) - Your windows installation should also have an up-to-date virus software. AVG Free is a good option that costs $0.
  
  Please note, even though the Mac is virtually virus free, you should always trust the source of the software you install on your Mac. TUAW.com has a great article on protecting your Mac and keeping it virus free.

Installation options: You can install Windows through one of two options:

• Option 1: Read full step-by-step guide
  
  You can install Windows XP with Boot Camp. This option requires you to reboot your computer and select Windows XP as the operating system when you want to use AutoCAD. I use this option when I am going to spend a significant amount of time drawing in AutoCAD.
  
  
  
• Option 2: You can install Windows XP with Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion. These programs access the same installation of Windows XP that you installed in Boot Camp but run at the same time as the Mac operating system. I use this if I am quickly opening a drawing to plot or need to check a few items in a drawing. 
  
  With option 2, you need to purchase AutoCAD, Windows XP, and Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion You will need 4GB of RAM for this option.