[melling]

What's the best option for getting Windows and running it in a VM? I have a Mac but would like to try Visual Studio.

[balakk]

If you just want to try, test VMs are available here:

https://www.modern.ie/en-us/virtualization-tools

[statictype]

Parallels works well. I do development in Visual Studio using it and it works pretty well.

[mateuszf]

VirtualBox, but you will still need to buy Windows with license.

[ingenieros]

If you are still in school you could join their Dreamspark program and get Windows 8 free of charge. If you don't qualify for that you can still get a free developer token by simply joining: https://devcenterbenefits.windows.com

[rikkus]

Or wait for Windows 10 when it'll be free for personal users.

[AlexeyBrin]

> Or wait for Windows 10 when it'll be free for personal users.

Do you have any reference for this ? Will Microsoft release Windows 10 for free for individuals ?

[bovermyer]

Here's a written reference: http://news.filehippo.com/2014/10/windows-10-will-free-perso...

I believe it was also mentioned in the Windows 10 announcement keynote.

[Encosia]

The Windows 10 preview that's out right now works well enough for casual use today. I've been running it on my laptop since it was available and have had a few minor issues, but haven't had any real trouble using it as my primary machine outside the office.

[6581]

You could use one of the trial versions Microsoft offers:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-8...

[uptownJimmy]

Parellels works great for me, coding C# professionally for 6 months now. It'll make your MacBook fan run a bit here and there, but no biggie.

[aikah]

Parallels with a Bootcamp partition.