Hi. I'm pretty new to the Mac world, having purchased my first (iMac 20" 2.4GHz) last week. I've spent years with PC and along the way before that with Unix and now Linux. Anyway, I'm completely enjoying this new world. I have a situation whereby I must use Internet Explorer for a specific administration module. There is invalid HTML throughout that site that only IE renders, I can't use a more accurate browser as the site will not work -- and getting the in-house programmers to deal with this and correct the HTML is pointless because they have other things to do that are more pressing. So I have purchased Parallels at the suggestion of many and can install WinXP Pro in order to have Internet Explorer. I don't plan on doing anything else, just access this one www admin site via IE (though I'm intrigued if I can also install my Paintshop Pro software which I've grown accustomed to using over the years). My question(s) may have already been addressed in a FAQ or paper but I'm not finding such so far (feel free to point me in the direction if you have recommendations). 1) I am curious about security and related issues with WinXP. If I install my WinXP Pro into my iMac via Parallels, do I open up my iMac to the security/virus/etc. issues that haunt PC/Windows systems? 2) On Windows I am forever recieving these "Updates are available" blips with references such as "Critrical update", "Security Issue", etc. Sometimes more than once a day! I mean, sheesh. I'm trying to work and many of these require closing everything and restarting the computer. If I have installed WinXP Pro in my iMac via Parallels, do I have to keep updating XP with every constant "Updates are available" security update blip for the sake of also keeping my iMac safe? As mentioned, I just want to go to one website address and do nothing more in the WinXP section. 3) Anti virus, spyware, adware, etc. I have more programs running on my WinXP computer to address these (Webroot SpySweeper, SpyHunter, AdAware, Norton Corporate, AVG), it's pathetic but do I have to safe guard my iMac and run such things in the WinXP section of my iMac using Parallels as well? Just trying to get a feel of what I need to be aware of and/or to do if I create a WinXP Pro section on my iMac using Parallels. Thanks. Bob
Hello, if you want to keep your iMac safe without using special software in Windows, you should not use Shared Profile, Shared Folders and Shared Applications in Parallels. You can disable them in Configuration Editor. The only problem you might have, at worst your Windows may crush because of viruses or something else. But your iMac will not have any damage. Best regards, Stacey
