Running Windows programs without Windows

[ekrueger24]

I heard a rumor somewhere (which I hope is true) that there is a program out there somewhere that will allow you to run .exe files in OS X without needing Windows installed and to boot up Windows.

If this true? If so, what is it called and where can I get it?

Or is this a complete rumor and is not true?

Thanks

 

[TattooedMac]

Mate read this thread .exe problems ...
Got a little heated and end up being closed..

Bottom line NO

Cheers

 

[alienapp]

I believe that the software that you are looking for is CrossOver Mac. It allows you to run certain window programs on your mac but not all.

If I were you the better solution for me at least is to use bootcamp.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I heard a rumor somewhere (which I hope is true) that there is a program out there somewhere that will allow you to run .exe files in OS X without needing Windows installed and to boot up Windows.

If this true? If so, what is it called and where can I get it?

Or is this a complete rumor and is not true?

The software you are looking for is called Crossover. It, for all intents and purposes, tries to fool Windows applications into thinking they are running under Windows. It's not wholly foolproof. Some apps do work perfectly, others not so perfectly, many not at all. If you know exactly what Windows software you need to run, check their compatibility database to see if your needs are listed and what their status is in working under Crossover. If what you need to run works, then so much the better. It is FAR simpler to run them this way if it works than rebooting to run a single app.

Compatibility - Browse Apps by Name - CodeWeavers

 

[coaster]

Given that Fusion and Parallels are under-$100 apps I'm curious why anyone would want to use something else described as:

It's not wholly foolproof. Some apps do work perfectly, others not so perfectly, many not at all.

Is Crossover freeware?

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Given that Fusion and Parallels are under-$100 apps I'm curious why anyone would want to use something else described as:


Is Crossover freeware?

No, but neither is Windows, and using Fusion or Parallels requires a Windows license AND more processing overhead than Crossover.

 

[coaster]

Ahhhh.....OK.....makes a certain amount of sense, if you know you've got an app in the compatibility list. I already have licensed Windows every iteration from 3.1 through Vista, so the viewpoint of not having it at all escaped me.