Run Windows Programs On A Mac
What can you do? Well depending on the type of file, in some cases close to nothing. What if you've been reading about a great piece of software, only to find that it's only available for Windows? Give up? No... there is hope.
There are places online where you can easily convert a lot of file types. But this may not always be the best option. It may not be possible to convert every single file type there is with such services. In the case of a program or application, there may be other alternatives available for the Mac operating system. But this is not always the case, since a lot of programs and applications that are available only for the Windows OS have unique or proprietary features that may be desired. Read on to find out 3 ways to run Windows programs straight from your very own Mac.
CrossOver from Code Weavers (the standard edition is $39.99, the professional version is $69.95) is a Windows emulator for Mac OS X that allows you to use a range of Windows programs on your Mac. The bad news is that it is only available for Mac OS 10.5 or later on Macs with Intel x86 CPUs. If you meet the requirements however, it's a very simple option. The CrossOver program exists on your Mac and when you insert supported Windows software discs or download Windows programs from the internet, it recognizes them and installs them with ease.
VirtualBox is a free, open-source program that provides virtual machines for you to run different operating systems on top of your Mac OS. Although it is free, you'll have to purchase a Windows operating system in addition to applications or programs. (if you'd like to run a free operating system on VirtualBox, see resources below). Sadly, VirtualBox is only supported on Intel Macs as well.
WineBottler is an open-source program that allows you to run some Windows applications on your Mac. Again it is only supported on Intel Macs. This method can be a little buggy, but on the website you should find all the info you need to get some programs up and running.
Hopefully with these options, you'll be able to get some Windows only applications running on your Mac.
Run a free operating system on VirtualBox: http://computersight.com/operating-systems/linux/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-virtual-box/
There are places online where you can easily convert a lot of file types. But this may not always be the best option. It may not be possible to convert every single file type there is with such services. In the case of a program or application, there may be other alternatives available for the Mac operating system. But this is not always the case, since a lot of programs and applications that are available only for the Windows OS have unique or proprietary features that may be desired. Read on to find out 3 ways to run Windows programs straight from your very own Mac.
CrossOver from Code Weavers (the standard edition is $39.99, the professional version is $69.95) is a Windows emulator for Mac OS X that allows you to use a range of Windows programs on your Mac. The bad news is that it is only available for Mac OS 10.5 or later on Macs with Intel x86 CPUs. If you meet the requirements however, it's a very simple option. The CrossOver program exists on your Mac and when you insert supported Windows software discs or download Windows programs from the internet, it recognizes them and installs them with ease.
VirtualBox is a free, open-source program that provides virtual machines for you to run different operating systems on top of your Mac OS. Although it is free, you'll have to purchase a Windows operating system in addition to applications or programs. (if you'd like to run a free operating system on VirtualBox, see resources below). Sadly, VirtualBox is only supported on Intel Macs as well.
WineBottler is an open-source program that allows you to run some Windows applications on your Mac. Again it is only supported on Intel Macs. This method can be a little buggy, but on the website you should find all the info you need to get some programs up and running.
Hopefully with these options, you'll be able to get some Windows only applications running on your Mac.
Run a free operating system on VirtualBox: http://computersight.com/operating-systems/linux/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-virtual-box/
