Best software to use for windows programs

Keebler · Keebler #1 (**permalink**)

01-31-2010, 07:43 PM

I am in the process of figuring out how to replace my computer in my office to a Mac. We are on a windows server and all we have are PC's in the office. I want to switch to a Mac but i have a few programs i use that are windows only (some accounting programs and a CAD drawing program). I have heard about some programs such as Parallels and VMware Fusion. What is the best program to use? I usually open the programs i need in the morning and their open the rest of the day until i go home. If i get an entry lvl iMac i want to make sure it runs well and i dont overload it. Are there any other programs i dont know about? Can i download any for free that will work? or do they all have a cost? Any info would be great.

Thanks!

Reel1 · Reel1 #2 (**permalink**)

01-31-2010, 07:48 PM

I am partial to parallels. However if your stuck running windows software why not just run a Windows PC. You may also need to ensure that your company is ok with your switching to a Mac.

Keebler · Keebler #3 (**permalink**)

01-31-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reel1

I am partial to parallels. However if your stuck running windows software why not just run a Windows PC. You may also need to ensure that your company is ok with your switching to a Mac.

Were in a small company and im an owner so i can switch no problem unless there is a technical problem for not doing so. I love my Mac at home, and i cant stand using my office PC because it is slow, freezes up, and just overall ****** me off. I just like using Macs so much i want to use one at work also if i can.

scathe · scathe #4 (**permalink**)

02-01-2010, 02:35 AM

you said you use a CAD drawing program, so is that the primary use of the computer? I'm not sure if an entry level imac would be enough to run CAD applications in a virtual system, you'd need to upgrade your RAM at least

but of course it depends on how much performance you actually need

Keebler · Keebler #5 (**permalink**)

02-01-2010, 10:39 AM

Well its not the main use of the computer but i do use it every few days. The main use of this computer is day to day operations which typically are e-mailing, internet use, word and excel docs, and some windows only accounting software and the CAD drawing when needed.

lifeisabeach · lifeisabeach #6 (**permalink**)

02-01-2010, 11:16 AM

If your software is compatible with Crossover, then you can use that and bypass the need for Windows entirely. Search their compatibility database for the titles you use. Some things work great, some not so great, many not at all. It's a great solution if it does fit your needs.
Compatibility - Browse Apps by Name - CodeWeavers

Barring that, you can try out Parallels or VMWare Fusion to see how well your software runs under a virtual machine. This is a fine solution for all but the more demanding, graphically-intensive applications. Here's a comparison of their features:
Comparison of VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

JJ9F · JJ9F #7 (**permalink**)

02-04-2010, 09:48 AM

There is also a free program called Bootcamp that comes with the Mac. The drawback is that you can't run Windows and the Mac at the same time as you can with the other paid programs.

dtravis7 · dtravis7 #8 (**permalink**)

02-04-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ9F

There is also a free program called Bootcamp that comes with the Mac. The drawback is that you can't run Windows and the Mac at the same time as you can with the other paid programs.

Yes but Windows will run at full speed also just like it does on a PC. You either boot in OSX or Windows. With either Bootcamp or a VM like Parallels or VMWare you need a copy of Windows also.

cwa107 · cwa107 #9 (**permalink**)

02-04-2010, 09:55 AM

Please read:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/win...ers-guide.html

lifeisabeach #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 30, 2007 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 5,787 Mac Specs: iMac i3 (mid-2010) + OS 10.8; TV 2; iPhone 4S; iPad 1	02-01-2010, 11:16 AM If your software is compatible with Crossover, then you can use that and bypass the need for Windows entirely. Search their compatibility database for the titles you use. Some things work great, some not so great, many not at all. It's a great solution if it does fit your needs. Compatibility - Browse Apps by Name - CodeWeavers Barring that, you can try out Parallels or VMWare Fusion to see how well your software runs under a virtual machine. This is a fine solution for all but the more demanding, graphically-intensive applications. Here's a comparison of their features: Comparison of VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Standing request for all troubleshooting: Please provide your Mac model/year and OS version. Also advise us if you have used or installed any antivirus, security, or "cleaning" software on your Mac. If you have installed MacKeeper in particular, you are hereby advised to uninstall it. --------- If all else fails to fix your problem, read this tip.
	QUOTE Thanks

cwa107 #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 20, 2006 Location: Middletown, Pennsylvania Posts: 25,917 Mac Specs: 15" MBP, Core i7/2GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB Crucial M4 SSD	02-04-2010, 09:55 AM Please read: http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/win...ers-guide.html Liquid and computers don't mix. It might seem simple, but we see an incredible amount of people post here about spills. Keep drinks and other liquids away from your expensive electronics!
	QUOTE Thanks

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Keebler #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 31, 2010 Posts: 13	01-31-2010, 07:43 PM I am in the process of figuring out how to replace my computer in my office to a Mac. We are on a windows server and all we have are PC's in the office. I want to switch to a Mac but i have a few programs i use that are windows only (some accounting programs and a CAD drawing program). I have heard about some programs such as Parallels and VMware Fusion. What is the best program to use? I usually open the programs i need in the morning and their open the rest of the day until i go home. If i get an entry lvl iMac i want to make sure it runs well and i dont overload it. Are there any other programs i dont know about? Can i download any for free that will work? or do they all have a cost? Any info would be great. Thanks!
	QUOTE Thanks

Reel1 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 29, 2006 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 606 Mac Specs: 2.16 GHz Intel Imac Core 2 Duo//MacBook 1.83 Core 2 Duo//G5 Power Mac	01-31-2010, 07:48 PM I am partial to parallels. However if your stuck running windows software why not just run a Windows PC. You may also need to ensure that your company is ok with your switching to a Mac.
	QUOTE Thanks

scathe #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 12, 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,096 Mac Specs: 2,4Ghz 15" unibody	02-01-2010, 02:35 AM you said you use a CAD drawing program, so is that the primary use of the computer? I'm not sure if an entry level imac would be enough to run CAD applications in a virtual system, you'd need to upgrade your RAM at least but of course it depends on how much performance you actually need
	QUOTE Thanks

Keebler #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 31, 2010 Posts: 13	02-01-2010, 10:39 AM Well its not the main use of the computer but i do use it every few days. The main use of this computer is day to day operations which typically are e-mailing, internet use, word and excel docs, and some windows only accounting software and the CAD drawing when needed.
	QUOTE Thanks

JJ9F #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 28, 2010 Posts: 17	02-04-2010, 09:48 AM There is also a free program called Bootcamp that comes with the Mac. The drawback is that you can't run Windows and the Mac at the same time as you can with the other paid programs.
	QUOTE Thanks

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