do I need boot camp and which windows version can I install

[Bobv1]

1st Question: Do I need Boot Camp to first create a partition and install windows or does Parallels the same and can I forget about Boot Camp?
2nd Question: Boot Camp (5.1) tells me I can only install Windows 7 . Is this because of a limitation of my Macbook Pro (mid 2009)? On a new Macbook Pro (mid 2014) it gives the choice for Window 7 or 8. Or is this a limitation of Boot Camp and will installation of Windows 8 be possible when using Parallels?

 

[Abdul@Parallels]

Hello Bobv1,

You can install Windows on your Mac directly through Parallels Desktop without using bootcamp.
Please refer to : http://kb.parallels.com/4729 for installing Windows in Mac.

Also please refer http://kb.parallels.com/122662 for system requirements and list of Supported guest OS in Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac

 

[maj]

Hello,
Abdul's answer is for the first or second question?
I want install Windows 8.1 on a iMac 21,5" late 2009 and Boot Camp isn't able to do more than Windows 7.
Is it possible with Parallels ? i've got Mavericks 10.9.5 , 3.06 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo .
Thanks for an answer.
Maj

 

[Maria@Parallels]

Hi @maj,
Of course, you may install Windows 8 using Parallels Desktop (For more information please check this KB)
Also if you already have BootCamp you may create new virtual machine (via Parallels Desktop) using your BootCamp partition and use your Windows from Parallels without Mac reboot. (for more info please check this article)