How to Install PC Software on a Mac

PC software will not open on a Mac without some help. The most common PC software format, EXE, is a DOS or Windows executable program. In order to run EXE files and other PC formats, a Mac computer must have a way of reading the different format. There are several ways to accomplish this: by creating a Windows partition on a Mac, by running a virtual machine with Windows installed or by creating a compatibility layer for the program.

Things You'll Need

• Mac computer with Mac OS X 10.4 or above
• Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation disc (optional)

Instructions

1. Make a Windows partition on which you can install PC software using the Boot Camp Assistant included with Mac OS X. This application is located in the “Utilities” folder and helps you create a separate partition, or section, of your Mac’s hard drive, in which you can install Windows. When you boot the Windows partition, your Mac acts as a PC and you can install any PC software on it.

2. Install Parallels or VMware Fusion to create a virtual PC on your Mac, which will run at the same time as your existing Mac operating system. Like a Boot Camp partition, you must install a version of Windows on the virtual computer for it to work. When you have the virtual computer running, you can install PC software on the operating system.

3. Create a compatibility layer for your PC software with CrossOver, which creates a “bottle” for PC applications. A bottle acts as a virtual Windows environment and contains a unique C: drive. You do not need to install a version of Windows when using CrossOver. However, CrossOver is not compatible with all PC software applications. Check its online database to see if it supports the program you want to use.

References

• File Info: EXE File Extension
• Apple: How Mac Works with PCs
• CodeWeavers: CrossOver Bottles Features

Resources

• Parallels: Virtualization & Automation Solutions
• VMware: Fusion
• CodeWeavers: CrossOver Mac