specific 32 Bit windows app on Silicone

[adjusterbrett]

I'm no techie - just an abuser. Insurance adjuster - in DIRE need of running a software called (Verisk) Xactimate, an archaic 32 bit windows piece. Ran fine on parallels on an intel Mac. Was in Boston earlier this year (big freeze) and a software guy showed me a bunch of 32 bit apps running on an m1 via Citrix VDI. I looked a the website - and it seems its not intended for little ole' me - and most of the documentation is well above my head. My question to those of greater knowledge than I'll ever have - is it possible for me to run this stuff form a Mac or an iPad Pro (m1 or m2 based). As long as it costs less than 1500/yr - I'm game (boundary set). It appears (to this non-tech) to be virtualization over the web - or something of the like. I managed Parallels for four years with out a single issue - and praying that one day I'll be able to accomplish running this software on ARM. If you have suggestions - I'm all ears... I've (in my hours and hours of free time - its been 7 days a week for 10 months now) read a bit about crossover and wine - but just haven't had to time to try... Worse - my beloved MBP14 is headed back to the depot for repair this week - so out of pocket for a bit with it. Let me know if anyone might have any type of solution. Please refrain from suggesting a high end PC - have three - they are junk - they sit on a ram mount in the vehicle and do 300+ miles a day with me - you might think a razor is quality, but my NINE returned would suggest otherwise. Five for the Lenovo, and there for the acer. I've drug the MBP14 for some 50K miles - and its only problem is a faulty fingerprint reader (Faulty is a strong word, its a device with an attitude of its own and is going for an attitude adjustment). The Intel Macs were not built as well in my experience, and I really do not want to go back to an intel Mac again - they never worked well sitting in a warm vehicle. My primary reason for wanting to use the Mac vs PC is (order of importance): all the other stuff I do, I'm acclimated to the Mac and much faster using it (convert a pdf, trim a photo, send an email, voicetotext a document while driving, etc). Battery battery battery and charging, quality of build. And finally - the idea I could carry JUST one laptop... Thanx in advance and forgive my ignorance with Citrix - really have no idea, but watched him running multiple apps in multiple instances and was very intrigued.

 

[bobcomer]

Windows365 is another cloud alternative, but I'd just buy a cheapie windows laptop if it's only 1 app. If it needs to be rugged, then a panasonic toughbook would be good.

Find the Right Windows 365 Cloud PC | Microsoft

Answer a few questions about your business to find the best Cloud PC configuration for your needs. Learn more about Windows 365 Cloud PC for businesses.

www.microsoft.com

is a good fit.

 

[adjusterbrett]

Windows365 is another cloud alternative, but I'd just buy a cheapie windows laptop if it's only 1 app. If it needs to be rugged, then a panasonic toughbook would be good.

Find the Right Windows 365 Cloud PC | Microsoft

Answer a few questions about your business to find the best Cloud PC configuration for your needs. Learn more about Windows 365 Cloud PC for businesses.

www.microsoft.com

is a good fit.

I have all the above already, PCS - I have a razor, acer swift, HP specter, and several more - all >11th gen - (kudos on the EVO chips, but its still windows). Daily I have to dig through hundreds of photos and pull form high rez to make more photos - the snippet tool sucks, period - and the ability to do it on the iPad Pro, then zing it to the Mac - with annotations via the pencil... That is just one reason I want to stay on the Mac. As for Windows365 - already have it - but it will not facilitate running 3rd party software and isn't any type of an emulation / facilitator - its software like word, and storage like one drive.

 

[stradify]

Running Windows 11 on AS via Parallels is reportedly hit or miss. Whether a particular piece of software will work or not is hard to know without trying it yourself: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...m2-chips-cd15fd62-9b34-4b78-b0bc-121baa3c568c

Another option would be to just get a later model Intel MBP, '18-'19, and then run Windows in a Parallels VM.

 

[Slartibart]

if it is just one particular program you can try to run it via CodeWeavers CrossOver/Wine (they offer a trial) or Wine.

 

[adjusterbrett]

OK - again - I've already had the latest parallels, it did not work (32 bit app).
I have two intel based MacBooks....

I SAW first hand, several archaic 32 bit softwares running on an m1pro via Citrix VDI.

My real question is based on trying to understand what the Citrix VDI is and if I can use it.

I do not have a budget - I'd prefer to keep the cost around the 1500 annual for any software that might accomplish this.

I have 17 MBP15 and a 19MPB16, the later being decked with gobs or ram and processor - using them can work - you just have to be patient and overly careful. The newer models are ten times more resistant to bump and bruising, EXCEL at battery life and sip power (go ahead - try running either of my intel based ones off a cigarette lighter)...

AGAIN, for the purpose of clarifying - I'm trying to figure out what is and if I could use this Citrix VDI to accomplish running a 32 bit app on a silicone. And if not - if there is an alternative beyond the obvious (parallels - that does NOT work)...

I've already got intel based Macs - and current PCs - I'm trying to elevate carrying two laptops - and trying to accomplish running from a single unit on the silicone chip.

 

[mi7chy]

Have you explored the other available options such as running it on your tablet or via web?

https://www.verisk.com/insurance/products/xactimate/system-requirements/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xactimate/id598636037?platform=ipad

Otherwise, if you must run the Windows version and require an all-in-one device with pen support perhaps look into the Microsoft Surface Go 3 with LTE or Surface Pro 9 via hotspot.

Citrix VDI cloud desktop virtualization is a multi-user corporate solution and not usually for single user.

 

[adjusterbrett]

Have you explored the other available options such as running it on your tablet or via web?

https://www.verisk.com/insurance/products/xactimate/system-requirements/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xactimate/id598636037?platform=ipad

Otherwise, if you must run the Windows version and require an all-in-one device with pen support perhaps look into the Microsoft Surface Go 3 with LTE or Surface Pro 9 via hotspot.

The first, second, and third iterations of the GO did not work - and they are fragile - especially that damned overpriced keyboard and the display ribbon inside. And they are still WINDOWS.

The M1/M2 Macs ARE built better - I have near 50,000 miles on my Costco special and not an issue. I've never made it month with intel chipped nor any windows PC - including a tough books - clunky and not a Mac.

I have several iPad pros, minis, and iPhones and use them all with the mobile application on it - its VERY limited in its abilities.

Their web based is laggy and slow.

I am looking for a way to use the desktop app - via a silicone chipped MacBook. Connectivity isn't an issue - I have three different carriers on multiple phones and hotspots. Money really isn't an issue within reason. I have spent way more in the last two years on PCs - only to find windows cannot match the functionality (and workflow) of a Mac. Some of the machines are decent - but all are POWER HUNGRY - try running a razor off a Cig lighter with a USBC - yeah right - but my MacBook M1 does, period.

I have a very specific workflow - and lots of devices and equipment to do it - all I am looking for is if I could use this Citrix VDI or a like product to actually run 32 bit windows (even remotely).

Workflow - I arrive - take a photo with my phone of the front of the structure - gear up and hit the roof (assume rubber or TPO) - with iPad mini - take photos and annotate with pencil. Measure with Lidar on either the phone or an iPad Pro (if with me). Return to the ground and get elevations photos (directional photos of the structures exposures - north, north east, east and so on - then back to the vehicle - by now most of the photos are loaded (in order of being taken from multiple devices) and I load the project on a mobile device (phone or an iPad) and load the photos from my photo stream so to say - then put a few dates into the file and upload to the Verisk cloud. I then pull the file and all the photos onto a PC. Now I review photos on the MacBook (same appleid hence same photos) and screenshot some blowups, label - and either export to a file in jpg or export to a pdf and load to the cloud (this can be one or two, but often a dozen or so photos and at least two pdfs). Then I pull the extra photos and docs into the PC (windows) and into the program and begin to work. If I could work off an M1 or M2 - then you eliminate many of those steps and often between 20-40 minutes waiting on uploading / downloading etc. These devices are all on separate mounts in the vehicle - and booting up a stored (in padding) laptop - is yet another waste of time. All while this is going on - I'm checking voice mails, sending emails, sending texts (from Mac) and storing / archiving relevant times. If I do anything relevant on a Mac - related to a file - it has to be saved and then uploaded to a shared cloud and downloaded to the PC... YES I'm capable of working in windows but find even this tragic flow is faster they jerking around with 3rd party widgets on the windows device. Having a one stop - would give me back hours per day.

 

[bobcomer]

As for Windows365 - already have it - but it will not facilitate running 3rd party software and isn't any type of an emulation / facilitator - its software like word, and storage like one drive.

Microsoft365 Business also has a cloud PC -- VM ability too, not just the office apps and onedrive. Just like Citrix VDI.

 

[adjusterbrett]

HUH - did not know that - on chat now with them to embarrass myself with a lack of understanding and simply ask if it might work - appreciate the heads up -

 

[mi7chy]

Can confirm Crossover can't get beyond installation of .NET Framework dependency and Parallels fails to install Xactimate app as admin so both of those are no go.

Best compromise is running locally on a Windows device but select a more efficient device since Razor is a desktop replacement. Alternatively, set up home VPN and remote desktop to your home PC. Or, keep searching for cloud VDI or RDS service for single user which isn't common (maybe Amazon Workspaces Family) but have to put up more with irregularities of mobile internet reliability and latency.

 

[SteveOm]

Citrix VDI works differently than Parallels. As far as I can tell, any VDI solution uses a separate Windows server to actually run the virtualized software, and it streams the Windows interface to your Mac. So to replicate the success you described, you’d end up with a physical Windows machine somewhere nearby, and paying extra for the Citrix software.

 

[mcnallym]

As stated then Citrix VDI is a Virtual Desktop where connect from your machine in front of of you to the citrix server that runs the apps.

more Corporate/enterprise where will have a server farm and employee’s connect in from remote devices to run the systems in the Citrix environment.
not something individuals would do.

Xactimate System Requirements

www.verisk.com

states no Mac OS support but interestingly states 64 but CPU and 64bit Windows, specifically states no ARM processors either.

would indicate you have an old version of the software if is 32 bit that you have as says requirements all 64bit which would not be true if was 32bit software.

however nothing from there system requirements tells me that they have Interest in Mac support or even ARM on windows, so going to have to continue back and forth if insist on working on Mac and this software.

possibly need industrial/ruggedised laptop and just move to a windows workflow.

 

[Wando64]

In use Parallels on M1 to run a piece of windows software from the early 2000 (Money).
I am having zero problems. In fact it has never run this well on any previous machine.

 

[Slartibart]

An old version of 32bit xactimate should run fine in Wine on AS - older .Net support works.

Otherwise the easiest (and cheapest) solution to use a Wndows program remotely is probably Microsoft Remote Desktop - that works from Mac, iPad, or even iPhone.

 

[Shazaam!]

Apple silicone

 

[adjusterbrett]

As stated then Citrix VDI is a Virtual Desktop where connect from your machine in front of of you to the citrix server that runs the apps.

more Corporate/enterprise where will have a server farm and employee’s connect in from remote devices to run the systems in the Citrix environment.
not something individuals would do.

Xactimate System Requirements

www.verisk.com

states no Mac OS support but interestingly states 64 but CPU and 64bit Windows, specifically states no ARM processors either.

would indicate you have an old version of the software if is 32 bit that you have as says requirements all 64bit which would not be true if was 32bit software.

however nothing from there system requirements tells me that they have Interest in Mac support or even ARM on windows, so going to have to continue back and forth if insist on working on Mac and this software.

possibly need industrial/ruggedised laptop and just move to a windows workflow.

Xactimate is STILL a 32 bit program (unfortunately) - I am more than up to date and in their beta program (not really a program - they turn you loose and you video all the brick walls you run into) for both mobile and desktop (not that I've been able to influence anything on the desktop side of things). Xactimate runs great on the windows PC - issue is - windows workflows for alternatives that I use daily. My #1 thing - was at a commercial fire (large) - took some 400 photos via Panasonic S1 with external flashes - then pulled close to a thousand individual photos from those... Doing that REMOTELY (in my vehicle) on a windows machine will require I rent a U-Haul to tow the generator to run the damned thing. Adobe is laggy on compression - and when I have to take that thousand photos and attempt to maintain the clarity but shrink the size of the file (and convert the images to a single PDF) - Mac runs circles around PC. I don't know why - Genius Bar told me that it uses its memory differently vs windows when doing that with a pdf from jpgs... I'm so non-tech it could be the gravitational pull of the moon - wouldn't matter - its something I do regularly and I've tried too many alternatives that looked great on paper - but failed - often so badly it required a work-around (aka - get out the MacBook). The Acer has held up better than my cool but clunky tough book two years ago, let alone the plethora of other higher ended laptops I've blown way too much money on... Just answers - and just my experience. I'm not fearful of spending the money - but I've been let down (hard) way too many times. Promised battery life at a decent NITs level - promised toughness - blah blah blah. It has amazed me beyond all that the cheapest windows laptop I have has run circles around ones costing five times more...

 

[adjusterbrett]

So I'll ask another DUMB question... Since Citrix VDI is out of my realm (man it was fast) - but some have mentioned I could buy a beefy windows and remote in... Could I do this from an iPad Pro? In other words, I go out, buy a couple thousand dollar desktop to host the Xactimate and then load some form of a Remote Desktop - would it be possible to drive from an iPad Pro (where I really want to go). Although Xactimate does offer an app / mobile application - it is NOT full featured -and in order to work remotely and push a project forward - I need the full blown desktop.
Again - sorry that I'm far from technical - that part of my brain died about 20 yrs ago when I lost touch. If I could manage on an iPad - then I could leave the windows laptop at home. Still have the issue of screenshooting big photos and video - but I'm sure there are all kinds of paid apps for the iPad to make that easier (although mapped to F13 the screen tool works quick and easy). Now if some of you could just get them to add pencil support to the iPhone or a LiDAR on the mini - I'd be really happy (for a week at least)...

 

[bobcomer]

The iPad does have an RDP app, so it would work, but it's not really optimal. Touch only is ugly for RDP work. You can connect from your Mac and work much more easy. I use Jump Desktop on the mac to connect to my PC's. (and anything else actually)

 

[thebart]

I would just run a PC in a closet somewhere and use remote desktop.