What is the best way to run Windows programs on Macs? - GoFuckYourself.com

Buff · 06-18-2012, 04:39 AM

Do I want to get something that can run programs without having to install Windows first like Crossover, or do I want something like Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox?

Anyone here have experience with any of these and a recommendation? Thanks.

DamianJ · 06-18-2012, 04:50 AM

VMWare gets my vote

AdultKing · 06-18-2012, 04:53 AM

I use Parallels.

raymor · 06-18-2012, 05:28 AM

Are you an experienced Mac user who rents yo run a specific Windows program, or are you a Windows user switching to Mac?

If the latter, the best answer in most cases is "use Mac programs, not Windows programs". There is a learning curve to using different software from what you are accustomed to, but it's worth it.

I am assuming here that the Mac desktop isn't far behind the Linux desktop in application support, software quality, etc. We've used Linux for over a decade. How do we run Windows programs? The answer is that we've never had any need to run Windows software. Linux software is more stable, almost always open, and fits much better with the Linux computing model. Given that Mac circa 1998 was at least as good as Windows 2008, I figure the same applies to Mac. Unless of course you have to run one very specific special purpose application, like if you had a Windows client custom built for your CMS rather than using a web based admin.

candyflip · 06-18-2012, 05:40 AM

Bootcamp is the best way to go about running Windows on your Mac.

If you have to run Windows from within OSX, VMWare Fusion is hands down the best available product. But booting into Windows is by far your best bet.

FetishBar · 06-18-2012, 06:37 AM

VMWare or you can try CrossOver for some programs

DWB · 06-18-2012, 07:54 AM

Bootcamp for me. I tried the others and Bootcamp performed the best. I run a clean, stripped down XP on a Macbook Pro. I can render videos or do whatever I need. Of course this is not my only machine, but it's how I use my Mac.

That said, it is not without glitches. Every now and then I'll update something, like a Windows update, and it will have to be restarted because it locks up the system.

Buff · 06-18-2012, 08:20 AM

Thanks to everyone who replied.

AsianDivaGirlsWebDude · 06-18-2012, 08:25 AM

Parallels +1

Check out the http://www.parallels.com/ website. They offer a free trial.

ADG

06-18-2012, 04:39 AM	#1
Buff GFY Assassin Industry Role: Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,993	What is the best way to run Windows programs on Macs? Do I want to get something that can run programs without having to install Windows first like Crossover, or do I want something like Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox? Anyone here have experience with any of these and a recommendation? Thanks.

06-18-2012, 05:28 AM	#4
raymor Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,745	Are you an experienced Mac user who rents yo run a specific Windows program, or are you a Windows user switching to Mac? If the latter, the best answer in most cases is "use Mac programs, not Windows programs". There is a learning curve to using different software from what you are accustomed to, but it's worth it. I am assuming here that the Mac desktop isn't far behind the Linux desktop in application support, software quality, etc. We've used Linux for over a decade. How do we run Windows programs? The answer is that we've never had any need to run Windows software. Linux software is more stable, almost always open, and fits much better with the Linux computing model. Given that Mac circa 1998 was at least as good as Windows 2008, I figure the same applies to Mac. Unless of course you have to run one very specific special purpose application, like if you had a Windows client custom built for your CMS rather than using a web based admin. __________________ For historical display only. This information is not current: support@bettercgi.com ICQ 7208627 Strongbox - The next generation in site security Throttlebox - The next generation in bandwidth control Clonebox - Backup and disaster recovery on steroids

06-18-2012, 05:40 AM	#5
candyflip Carpe Visio Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New York Posts: 43,052	Bootcamp is the best way to go about running Windows on your Mac. If you have to run Windows from within OSX, VMWare Fusion is hands down the best available product. But booting into Windows is by far your best bet. __________________ Spend you some brain. Email Me

06-18-2012, 08:25 AM	#9
AsianDivaGirlsWebDude Purveyor, Fine Asian Porn Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 38,323	Parallels +1 Check out the http://www.parallels.com/ website. They offer a free trial. ADG __________________ Asian Diva Girls - Exclusive Photos and Videos Asian Diva Girls Affiliate Program (50% ccBill Revshare)

06-18-2012, 04:50 AM	#2
DamianJ Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: A magical land Posts: 15,808	VMWare gets my vote

06-18-2012, 04:53 AM	#3
AdultKing Raise Your Weapon Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Outback Australia Posts: 15,605	I use Parallels.

06-18-2012, 06:37 AM	#6
FetishBar Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Zambezia Posts: 48	VMWare or you can try CrossOver for some programs

06-18-2012, 07:54 AM	#7
DWB Registered User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Encrypted. Access denied. Posts: 31,779	Bootcamp for me. I tried the others and Bootcamp performed the best. I run a clean, stripped down XP on a Macbook Pro. I can render videos or do whatever I need. Of course this is not my only machine, but it's how I use my Mac. That said, it is not without glitches. Every now and then I'll update something, like a Windows update, and it will have to be restarted because it locks up the system.

06-18-2012, 08:20 AM	#8
Buff GFY Assassin Industry Role: Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,993	Thanks to everyone who replied.