What OS do I install on parallels to run Quartus II and other design software? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: shanecy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 06:01:32 pm
content: I'm fixing to run windows 7 or 8 off parallels for my macbook pro v10.8. The whole reason is to accommodate software like mulitsim and Quartus II for school. I've installed parallels already but have not continued with installing any OS until I get some advice. I have three questions that I would appreciate anyone's advice or opinion on.1.)I was wondering if Quartus II is compatible with windows 8. I'm sure it is since it's just an updated OS from windows 7 but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't run into any problems. I'm attaching a link below that gives the system requirements for Quartus II. A few things throw me off because it shows it's compatible with 7 but can't find anything about 8.http://www.altera.com/download/os-support/oss-index.html2.)What version should I install 7 or 8? I only ask because I've heard negative feedback on the interface/environment of Windows 8. I shouldn't be needing much functionality with it other than hoping on Quartus II, mulitsim or other related software for class projects and labs.3.)From my understanding ubuntu is a Linux derived OS. I like the interface/overlay of ubuntu and would prefer it above windows. However, can I run Quartus II of it? Again the link I posted above shows some Linux compatibility but can't find anything about ubuntu. If so would this be a better option or would I get more compatibility with windows 7 or 8 for circuit/design specific software?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 06:11:31 pm
content: Quote from: shanecy on September 05, 2013, 06:01:32 pmIt will run on Ubuntu. The software package that they provide is distribution-independent, as long as you run it on a relatively modern Linux it won't care what the distro calls itself. I run it on Debian with no trouble.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 06:19:40 pm
content: Put Win7 professional 64 there, it will do all the stuff you want to do. Leave win8 until they ship 8.1, very few like 8 as it is on anything other than a phone or tablet.If you want install the multiboot loader and have any version of Linux you like, like Debian, Suse or anything else.

author: shanecy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 06:19:56 pm
content: On that website they mention a Linux 5 32bit/64bit and a Linux 6 64bit. If I go through with ubuntu which option do I install and how do I know whether to pic a 32 or 64 bit?Can I install ubuntu on parallels by download meaning without an installation CD? I ask only because i have a solid state drive.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 06:50:18 pm
content: If it's dedicated for Quartus, then I would probably choose CentOS 6. They only (officially) support RHEL 5 and 6, but RHEL costs money, and CentOS is pretty much binary compatible.You can download an ISO image and point Parallels at the ISO image instead of burning a CD or putting it on a USB stick. CentOS also has a smaller network install ISO image, but this requires more skill to use (you have to configure network settings and point it at the correct server during setup). I don't think Ubuntu has anything below the 700 MB ISO image.Download the 64-bit version unless you're very tight on RAM.

author: MacAttak
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 09:30:22 pm
content: For the least amount of hassle and the highest stability, you will want to install Windows 7. Perhaps even x86 Windows 7 (instead of x64).Windows 8 provides no benefits in regards to this kind of software. In fact, the nuisance of the Start Screen is rather counterproductive.If using Parallels Desktop then you should be using version 8 of that. Version 9 will be available soon (I'm getting advertisement popups to notify me of it). So 7 will be two versions behind really soon.

author: MacAttak
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 09:33:02 pm
content: Quote from: shanecy on September 05, 2013, 06:01:32 pmYou're Southern, am I right?"fixin to" is a phrase I haven't heard outside of Louisiana.