When you are going to be running Windows on Mac, your first decision will be to choose which Windows version you'll be using. This is an important decision, because you wouldn't want to just go purchase one and then find out later that it's either A) not compatible with the program you'll be using to help run Windows, e.g. Boot Camp or B) it isn't the best for the programs you'll be running, meaning it may be glitchy or not run some programs at all.

A Few Clues to Help You Choose:

Some of the decisions will be out of your hands, as it may simply be a matter of which version is compatible with the software you'll be using with it. You'll be choosing which software you want to run with it in the very next step of "How to Run Windows on Mac". The part you do have a say so on is determined by what you're going to be be doing on Windows. You can also compare the different versions of Window in a side-by-side checklist on the Microsoft website.

A few questions to ask yourself as you decide which Windows version to get:

Am I going to be using Windows to play games a lot?

Will the version I choose by compatible with the program I choose to boot Windows on Mac with?

Windows Vista: Which Windows version is best for games has long been argued amongst Microsoft enthusiasts. On one site you may find all signs pointing to XP while on another points to Windows 7. What they all do agree on is that Vista is absolutely not in the game for gaming. Even worse, is that Vista is not even a good non-game alternative when running Windows on Mac. Vista is not a well liked version, and it has its reasons for that. If you decide to use Vista, you should go with the 64 bit if it's an option with whichever program you use with it.

Compatibility: Vista is compatible with the virtual programs you use with Mac, and Boot Camp if it is prior to the 4.0 version. The only problem which you use, the 32 bit vs 64 bit, so check with Apple's support page if you think you may use Boot Camp.

What works with Vista: Another good thing to be sure of is that the programs you have will work with Vista. You can do so by clicking on the link, or going to Microsoft.com.

Windows XP: This version of Windows has long been touted by Windows users as not only the best for playing games, but also one of the best of the Windows versions ever. Actually, it was considered the best until Windows 7 came out at which time it became pretty much a tieHDB Casement Windows – Compact 

If you can find a copy of XP, it is still a great option for running Windows on Mac. Using the 64 bit version is recommended if you're playing games, however, it does take up more of your Mac's resources so you may need to tweak some things or even upgrade your RAM.

Compatibility: This version of Windows is compatible with every program you will use to run Windows on your Mac, with the exception of the newest version of Boot Camp (4.0) that comes installed on the Lion. Some have found ways around this, so when we have all the right tips and tricks for doing this we will be sure to update our series, so check back soon.

XP Program Compatibility Wizard: As far as being compatible with the rest of your programs, it depends on how old they are. If they're newer, like Vista or 7 you can try to make them work by running the Program Compatibility Wizard at Microsoft.com.

Windows 7: This is the newest version of Windows (although 8 is coming out any day now). Using either Windows 7 or Windows XP to run Windows on your Mac will work fine. As far as games go though, there are those that say say one or the other will do better. But, in most reviews they are virtually tied in this area, with 7 coming out a bit ahead. So, either will be good for gaming. Windows 7 will be the only way you can go if you are using Lion OS X with Boot Camp 4 or have upgraded to Boot Camp 4. There are some ways to try to get around that, which you can read about here.