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    Window's Programs on Macs

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Travis_R, Dec 17, 2006.

  1. Travis_R

    Travis_R Notebook Enthusiast

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    On my intel based Mac, how do I run window's programs on a mac? I heard something about being able to run them through parallels and if you can, how do you?
     
    Travis_R, Dec 17, 2006
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  2. Shel

    Shel Notebook Evangelist

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    You'll need to install a program which runs Windows. I believe there is/was a program called Soft PC.

    Apple also recently released a program called Boot Camp. Once installed on an Intel based Mac, it allows you to decide to boot into Mac or Windows, each time you reboot your computer. This means, obviously, you can't run both Windows and Apple software at the same time, you'll need to reboot to switch between them.

    I believe SoftPC allows you to run both, but I'm not currently using a Mac, and really don't know if SoftPC is still available, or is up to date.

    I believe there are a few other software programs which allow you to run Windows programs on a Mac.

    Go to Apple's site and do a search for Boot Camp. It's free, so that should probably be the first program you check out to see if it meets your needs.
     
    Shel, Dec 17, 2006
    #2
  3. Jalf

    Jalf Comrade Santa

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    You gave the anwer yourself. You do it through Parallels. (Which, as far as I know, isn't free)

    Otherwise, as Shel said, bootcamp lets your reboot into Windows.

    Both solutions require you to install Windows though.
     
    Jalf, Dec 17, 2006
    #3
  4. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    The best way to do it is through Parallels as jalf said. It costs 79.99 for the license and you need a full version of Windows to install. Parallels works great and is well worth the price. The only major drawback is no 3D support...yet. They are working on it.

    Your other option is Boot Camp which is a dual boot so you can run Windows natively.
     
    cashmonee, Dec 17, 2006
    #4
  5. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    Budding, Dec 17, 2006
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  6. TedJ

    TedJ Asus fan in a can!

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    Application support under Crossover is a little patchy, but if you only need to run one or two apps it may be just what you're looking for. Unlike the other two options, a Windows license or install is not required.
     
    TedJ, Dec 18, 2006
    #6
  7. Lysander

    Lysander AFK, raid time.

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    If you buy a license for parallels, and they bring out a new version with 3D support, could you upgrade for free? Or will they charge?
     
    Lysander, Dec 18, 2006
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  8. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    If they release it within one year from the time of your purchase. Otherwise you probably have to pay a small upgrade fee.
     
    Budding, Dec 18, 2006
    #8