Need to run windows-based programs on my mac

[macandal]

I need to run some programs that were made for windows-based systems. Is there an easy, hopefully free, way to do this? Any programs out there designed for this very purpose? Thanks.

 

[vmachiel]

You can either install window via bootcamp, and boot windows natively or run it side by side with os x using VMware or parallels.

 

[macandal]

You can either install window via bootcamp...

vm, I don't need to run windows; I only need to run a program designed for Windows. I hope I'm explaining this correctly. I hope I'm understanding the way Bootcamp works correctly. Thanks.

 

[logandzwon]

You can try something like crossover; http://www.codeweavers.com/products/crossover/

I think most people would just use VirtualBox and Windows though.

 

[ufkdo]

You should either find Mac alternatives of those softwares or install windows (via bootcamp or vmware). I don't think emulators will give the best result. Logic is simple: If you need windows apps, you need windows' itself.

 

[macandal]

You should either find Mac alternatives of those softwares or install windows (via bootcamp or vmware).

That's not possible. It's windows only.

 

[McGiord]

www.virtualbox.org

 

[ufkdo]

That's not possible. It's windows only.

Then, as I said, you need windows.

 

[mrgraff]

Another vote for virtualbox. It works so well for me, that I actually got rid of my physical PC and just switch back and forth as needed.

 

[farmermac]

Wine for Mac works well

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I would go with Parallels and use Coherence Mode. Nothing really compares.

 

[brdeveloper]

I use Crossover and VirtualBox. Crossover is nice for well-behavioured Windows Apps. VirtualBox is a virtualization solution. None of them are free (you need an Windows license by using it in VirtualBox). You can also compile Wine for free and install it in OSX but this is a bit more tricky.

Parallels plus an Windows license appear to be the best solution though.