new mac user- windows software question

[geb724]

i just got my first mac 2 days ago. i have a 1.5gb external hard drive from my pc connected to mac via hd docking station. i have windows os, programs, and data on the external. there are 2 programs on the external that i would like to run on the mac. i've tried parallels, tuxera, and microsoft ntfs for mac by paragon. i can't seem to get any of them to run the program. is there a way to run the 2 programs on my mac?

 

[ferrarr]

First tell us about your Mac and which OS version it is running? You will also need to get a valid copy of winOS if you want to run those Windows apps.

 

[geb724]

imac retina 21.5"
3Ghz 6-core Intel Core i5
16gb 2667mhz DDR4
1TB Fusion
Radeon Pro 560X 4GB
Catalina 10.15.1

i do have a valid copy of windows 10 pro

 

[ferrarr]

Then you would need to install Windows as either a Boot Camp partition, or as a VM inside of Parallels?

For Boot Camp, Install Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp Assistant - Apple Support

For Parallels, KB Parallels: Install Windows on your Mac using Parallels Desktop

If you use Boot Camp, you will need to restart to switch to a different OS, but you will have full access to all system resources when you choose this option. If you use Parallels, you can work in Mac and Win simultaneously, but the resources will be shared.

 

[geb724]

sorry but i'm new to mac/ios and a little confused. if i use bootcamp or parallels aren't they just installing basic windows? without any programs? i need to access at least 2 programs that are currently installed on my windows pc hdd.

 

[chscag]

i just got my first mac 2 days ago. i have a 1.5gb external hard drive from my pc connected to mac via hd docking station. i have windows os, programs, and data on the external. there are 2 programs on the external that i would like to run on the mac. i've tried parallels, tuxera, and microsoft ntfs for mac by paragon. i can't seem to get any of them to run the program. is there a way to run the 2 programs on my mac?

You can not run a Windows program from your Mac that is installed on an external hard drive which is attached to your Mac. Not possible even if you have installed Paragon NTFS on your Mac. Bob listed what you will need to do in order to run your Windows programs.

sorry but i'm new to mac/ios and a little confused. if i use bootcamp or parallels aren't they just installing basic windows? without any programs? i need to access at least 2 programs that are currently installed on my windows pc hdd.

Yes, if you install Windows 10 through Boot Camp (dual boot scenario) or from Parallels (virtual machine) you will then need to install what Windows programs you wish to run. Your Mac can not run Windows programs natively nor can your Windows PC run Mac programs natively. So your choices are:

1. Install Windows 10 using Boot Camp and then install your Windows programs

2. Install Windows 10 using virtual software (Parallels) and install the Windows programs

3. Keep your PC with Windows and run your programs from there.

You didn't tell us which Windows programs that you need to run?

Perhaps they are also offered for the Mac?

 

[ferrarr]

sorry but i'm new to mac/ios and a little confused. if i use bootcamp or parallels aren't they just installing basic windows? without any programs? i need to access at least 2 programs that are currently installed on my windows pc hdd.

Your “windows pc HDD”, is for that pc only. Windows needs to be per “PC”, not one for you, for whichever PC you are using?

That was why I mentioned a valid Windows version in my original reply.


Sent from my iPad using Mac-Forums

 

[pm-r]

i just got my first mac 2 days ago. i have a 1.5gb external hard drive from my pc connected to mac via hd docking station.

Hmmm...??? Just preparing for the last two years I guess looking at your join date:
Member Since
Jan 05, 2017

Welcome aboard.


- Patrick
======

 

[MacInWin]

I think, but you'll have to check it at Parallels, that Parallels can create a virtual machine based on an existing installation of Windows. Assuming that is true, then maybe you can create a virtual system based on your drive and then run it in Parallels. You can check for yourself at Parallels: Mac & Windows Virtualization, Remote Application Server, Mac Management Solutions

 

[Slydude]

I was thinking the same thing. I haven't used Parallels in some time but I think it has that option. I know Fusion did but I haven't checked where they stand with regard to Catalina. Haven'y used a virtual machine in a while but I've liked Fusion when I've used it.

Maybe I missed it but what Windows software do you want/need to run? Virtual machine software handles some programs better than others.

 

[TotalSolutions]

New here too, I thought you can setup "Wine" and run windows programs in the Wine environment within MacOS

Also called Ruby.
Install Ruby On Rails on Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina | GoRails

 

[chscag]

New here too, I thought you can setup "Wine" and run windows programs in the Wine environment within MacOS

You can, but not in Catalina. Until there is a ported version of WINE that can run 32 bit apps within Catalina and is completely 64 bit, it's not going to work. CrossOver is currently 64 bit but still can not run 32 bit Windows apps within Catalina. The developers are still working on a fix.

 

[MagicMac]

What exactly is Wine for? I have heard of it before but don't know what it is.

 

[chscag]

What exactly is Wine for? I have heard of it before but don't know what it is.

1. The kind that you drink, red or white.

2. Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD.

There are various versions of WINE; some more sophisticated than others. CrossOver is a version of WINE that can run many Windows apps from within macOS without the need of installing Windows. CrossOver, however, is not free but is fully automated and fast.

 

[MagicMac]

Thanks for the reply. Wine sounds like something I could use.