Probably a dumb question

I knew at some point I would need to run windows program on my mac so I purchased and installed parallels for mac version 4 last fall. Our old computer ran windows XP and I thought the install disk would be with the computer materials but it looks like it came pre-installed. Doesn't matter much since it doesn't work now.

I am starting a few online classes soon and they are requiring MS Word, Excel, and IE for a browser (i detest IE but i digress...)

So - my ultimate question is; will I have to shell out for a windows OS to run with parallels for can I just but the MS office suite? Is there anyway I can continue to use safari or a different browser (firefox I use at work and am happy with). If I do need to purchase an OS, which one would you recommend? I've heard okay things about windows 7 but loking in this forum it seems like there are some issues running it. I've heard terrible things about vista, at work we use XP (i think) and I'm pretty happy with it. It the version where everything ends in X (ex, .docx, .xlsx, etc)

If you are kind enough to answer, please dumb it down for me as my computer-ease is very limited.
May thanks


Here are my stats for my current computer:


OSX 10.5.8, 2 Ghz intel core 2 duo,Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.32f8

 

Hi MaliaL,

to run Windows (XP, Vista, 7) in Parallels Desktop virtual environment, you will need OS installation disk - just like you need an installation disk on a regular PC. The choice of operating system is totally up to you - Parallels Desktop 4 (latest build #3848) is fully compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Of course, you will need to isntall Microsoft Office Suite in Windows after successfull creation of virtual machine and installation of operating system. Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 have to be purchased separately.

Please also note that there is an option to use Microsoft Office for Mac.