Things You'll Need:
- A Macintosh computer with an Intel processor running Mac os 10.5 or newer
- An Internet connection
- Apple Boot Camp
- A licensed copy of Microsoft Windows (XP or Vista)
- Parallels Desktop for Msc
- VMWare Fusion
-
Step 1
Remote DesktopWindows Remote Desktop - If you only need to use Microsoft Windows infrequently and you don't want to install large amounts of software and the Windows operating system on your Mac, using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client may be the best solution for you. This free program from Microsoft (download link below) will allow your Mac to connect to a Windows host machine over a computer network and, assuming you have a valid login, display its screen on your Mac! While you are connected, you can interact with that Windows PC just as if you are sitting in front of it. If you want to try this solution, you should know that the Windows host computer must be running Microsoft Windows XP Professional OR Windows Vista. Also, the Remote Desktop function must be activated. Lastly, you also need a valid login on that host Windows machine. For more instructions on how to activate and use this powerful Windows function, see the web links provided below.
-
Step 2
Boot CampApple Boot Camp - Apple has also made using Windows very easy on the Mac with their free and useful program, Boot Camp. Boot Camp is an easy to use application that helpfully takes you through the steps needed to install a full, licensed copy of Microsoft Windows (XP or Vista only) on a separate partition of your Macintosh hard drive. Once the installation and configuration process is complete, you will then have the ability and option to start your Mac up into one of two operating systems - the default Mac OS X or Windows. If you boot into Windows, the machine will behave just like any other computer running Windows and you can install and run the programs or computer games that you need to use. This option is good because it gives you full control of the Windows OS install and it allows Windows to use the full resources of your Mac.
-
Step 3
Parallels Desktop for MacVirtualization Software- This option is slightly more costly, complicated and system resource intensive, but is well worth trying if you want or need to install a full copy of Windows on your Mac and run it at the same time that you are using the Mac OS. Two programs exist for Macs that allow you to do this - VMWare Fusion and Parallels Desktop for Mac. As stated above, both will allow you to install a licensed copy of Windows on your Mac and let you run Windows alongside any other programs you may be running on your Mac. There is much debate over which program is better and I believe the jury is still out. Both are very good at what they to do and both are getting better with each release. Therefore, I would recommend that you choose the one that you are most comfortable with purchasing based upon cost and the unique features and benefits that appeal to you and your situation. See the links below for more information on both virtualization programs. The downside of this option is that running two operating systems simultaneously can work your Mac pretty hard and push the limits of your computer's RAM, depending upon what you are doing.
-
Step 4
Darwine Project at sourceforge.netDarwine - Some very enterprising and intelligent programmers have developed an open source application which allows Macs users to run SOME Windows programs on a Mac without the need for an installed Windows operating system. Though not complete, this effort shows much future potential. I mention this program more as a point of interest rather than a true option for Mac users requiring Windows access (though I suspect some Mac geeks out there will want to try it out!). See the link below for more details and a download, if you are adventurous. As stated, since this effort is not complete and because only a few Windows programs are supported, I do not recommend this as a viable option for the general Mac user.
-
Step 5
Crossover Mac - This program, created by a company named CodeWeavers, is a commercially viable solution that offers functionality similar to the WINE/Darwine project mentioned in the step above. Like Darwine, CrossOver Mac allows you to install many popular Windows applications and games on your Intel OS Macintosh computer without the need for the Window operating system. This is a good solution that, according to the companies own claims, supports many popular Windows applications like Quicken, Microsoft Office, Project and Visio as well as games like Quake and Half Life. They also claim that the list of supported programs continues to grow. Plus, unlike Darwine, you will get support of the product after your purchase (which is relatively inexpensive). See link to the CodeWeavers below for full details.
-
Step 6
Happy MacAs you can see, Mac users are well-positioned in a Windows dominated world to be frugal and functional with just a little bit of extra software, expense and effort. Happy cross-platform computing!
Comments
maryanne09 said
on 4/10/2009 Great article on How to Run Windows on a Mac! 5*'s Recommend! :o)
tundranut said
on 3/21/2009 Love my Mac, and run Windows. thanks. 5*
maryanne09 said
on 3/15/2009 Very well written. :o)
surly-mac said
on 3/14/2009 Excellent stuff - can't run Windows on my ppc G5 but I'm sure that I'll make the switch to newer technology one of these days. Very well done and thank you!
JoyNmyHeart said
on 12/20/2008 Really thinking about making the switch. Thanks for letting me know that there is a way to enter the Mac waters safely! Excellent article on running Windows on a Mac!