Resolved Looking for macOS Compatible Flooring Software

[JayAgostino]

For a while, I’ve been searching for flooring software that’ll actually be compatible with my 2019 15” MacBook Pro.

I currently use On Center Software on my Windows PC, but it doesn’t appear to be compatible with Mac.

Recently, I found something called Stack (which is compatible with Mac), but a representative told me that it isn’t meant to be used for flooring and doesn’t have everything I need.

That’s why I’ve come here. Where could I find a piece of flooring software that’s compatible with Mac?

 

[Boyd01]

Have you considered using Parallels or other similar software to run the Windows program in a virtual machine on your Mac? I just got rid of my PC and am now using Parallels to run Windows software on my 2018 Mini. Works much better than it ever did on the old PC. Virtual machines can use a fair amount of memory however. Another option would be to use Bootcamp, which would let you boot directly into Windows.

 

[JayAgostino]

Have you considered using Parallels

I’ve heard about Parallels, but it seems too expensive.

All of my other programs work in Mac (QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, etc), so I don't want to have to use a resource-hungry virtual machine or have to boot into Windows just to use one program and then switch back into macOS every minute or so.

I really want a native experience. It seems like the way to go.

 

[JayAgostino]

This sounds really compelling.

Looking for macOS Compatible Flooring Software

If you can’t find any helpful macOS software you could always get Parallels Desktop to run Windows in a virtual machine on your new MacBook Pro. Parallels has a coherence mode where you can have a Windows program on your dock and it open like a Mac app on your desktop and it hides all of the...

talk.macpowerusers.com

 

[Boyd01]

Too bad that you "don't want to have to use a resource-hungry virtual machine".

Parallels has a free 30-day trial, doesn't seem like there is much to lose. The home version costs $80, however you may be able to get it for less. Some companies (such as MacSales and B&H Photo) offer a discount when you purchase products from them. I got a 20% discount when I bought it, they were having a promotion on the Parallels website.

If you are already familiar with and happy with your Windows software, it seems logical to continue using it if possible. Parallels does like to have a lot of RAM however. But you won't know if it works unless you try. You would have to buy a copy of Windows however, IIRC that costs about $150. But you can install Parallels and Windows and use it for evaluation without paying anything. Windows will eventually start nagging you to register.

 

[JayAgostino]

Parallels has a free 30-day trial, doesn't seem like there is much to lose. The home version costs $80, however you may be able to get it for less. Some companies (such as MacSales and B&H Photo) offer a discount when you purchase products from them. I got a 20% discount when I bought it, they were having a promotion on the Parallels website.

I found this on eBay. What do you think?

Parallels Desktop 15 Run Windows on Mac One Year Subscription for Mac for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Parallels Desktop 15 Run Windows on Mac One Year Subscription for Mac at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Will the home version do just fine for business use?
[automerge]1595950200[/automerge]

If you are already familiar with and happy with your Windows software, it seems logical to continue using it if possible.

I’m tied into the Apple ecosystem already. Replacing my Windows PC with a Mac is my final step to be completely tied in.
[automerge]1595950242[/automerge]

Parallels does like to have a lot of RAM however.

In that case, it’s a good thing my MacBook Pro has 16GB of RAM!

 

[Boyd01]

Don't know anything about that eBay offer. I didn't realize Parallels was even sold in a box anymore, I thought it was a download.

Sounds like you are looking for some niche software. These kind of solutions are often Windows-only, I use Parallels to run a Windows GIS application that just doesn't exist on the Mac. Regardless, I hope you get some help but doubt that you'll find many people here who use "flooring software".

The home version of Parallels is a one-time purchase but is limited to 8gb RAM and two processor cores. The pro version is an annual subscription, but it supports more RAM and processors. I got the pro version because I need 16gb RAM for my software.

I think the home version should be adequate for you, and with a 16gb computer I don't think you could use more than an 8gb virtual machine anyway. Just had a quick look at the On Center website and they say you need a *minimum* of 8gb RAM. How much memory did your old PC have? An 8gb vitual machine on a 16gb Mac may work, but it might be a little tight. Unfortunately, 16gb just ain't what it used to be, LOL. 😂

I have 64gb in my Mini. I just started my 16gb Windows machine with no programs running. On the Mac, the only programs are Safari and Activity Monitor. It shows 26gb of RAM in use. Don't know how that would hold up in your case, but it implies that with an 8gb virtual machine, I would need to have 18gb of RAM at a minimum.

I think you will have to determine this for yourself and see if 8gb RAM is really necessary for your software. I would not buy anything yet, just use the free trial of Parallels and Windows to see if it works.

 

[JayAgostino]

How much memory did your old PC have?

8GB of RAM.

 

[Boyd01]

That is a good sign then, maybe you could try a 4gb or 6gb virtual machine and see if your software works. If you don't already know, there's a program called Activity Monitor that shows your memory usage. It is in the utilities folder, inside the applications folder on your Mac.

 

[JayAgostino]

That is a good sign then, maybe you could try a 4gb or 6gb virtual machine and see if your software works. If you don't already know, there's a program called Activity Monitor that shows your memory usage. It is in the utilities folder, inside the applications folder on your Mac.

Thanks! I’m off to try Parallels Desktop. I’ll report back if I end up enjoying the trial or not.

 

[Boyd01]

One other thought, if your laptop doesn't have enough physical memory, it will user virtual memory which is "swapped" to the system disk. This used to bring computers to a crawl when they used hard drives, but the SSD's in recent Macs are really fast. So, it still may work fine. Lots of swapping can generate heat however which might make the fan run high and reduce run time if using battery.

 

[JayAgostino]

Lots of swapping can generate heat however which might make the fan run high and reduce run time if using battery.

The MacBook Pro will be plugged into a monitor (which can output 90 watts) 95% of the time.

Issues connecting 2019 15" MacBook Pro to two 1440p 34.14" Dell ultrawide monitors

What is the procedure to connect my MacBook Pro to two Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Monitor: U3419W? I think that I'm missing something. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-34-curved-usb-c-monitor-u3419w/apd/210-ARCL/monitors-monitor-accessories

forums.macrumors.com

 

[JayAgostino]

Okay, so I purchased the home license (which I thought was a one time purchase), but it seems like a $79.99 one year subscription that’ll renew itself every year.

I’m confused. Am I missing something?

 

[Boyd01]

Of course, I don't know what you really bought. But there is a one-time version. The pro version (which is what I have) is a subscription that must be renewed every year. See this: https://kb.parallels.com/122929
-----------
One-Time Purchase
If you select this option, you will get a license with the following properties:

No free upgrades to future versions of Parallels Desktop.

No expiration date. The license is always valid for the version it was purchased for, but is subject to the End-of-Life policy.

Get minor updates and fixes for the current Parallels Desktop version until the version reaches End-of-Life.

30-day phone and chat support, and email support for two years from the version release date.

 

[JayAgostino]

Of course, I don't know what you really bought. But there is a one-time version. The pro version (which is what I have) is a subscription that must be renewed every year. See this: https://kb.parallels.com/122929
-----------
One-Time Purchase
If you select this option, you will get a license with the following properties:

No free upgrades to future versions of Parallels Desktop.

No expiration date. The license is always valid for the version it was purchased for, but is subject to the End-of-Life policy.

Get minor updates and fixes for the current Parallels Desktop version until the version reaches End-of-Life.

30-day phone and chat support, and email support for two years from the version release date.

Ah, okay. This is the part that confused me. Oops!

 

[Boyd01]

That sounds like new plan, where you get free updates for a year. With the one-time plan you only get updates to the version you purchased. You might check with them and see if your version will continue to work even if you don't renew, then see if you can switch to the one-time purchase if that's what you want.

 

[JayAgostino]

That sounds like new plan, where you get free updates for a year. With the one-time plan you only get updates to the version you purchased. You might check with them and see if your version will continue to work even if you don't renew, then see if you can switch to the one-time purchase if that's what you want.

Okay then. Thanks!