7 ways to run Windows-based applications and games on Mac

Even the most ardent fans of OS X it is sometimes necessary to use the "enemy» Windows. The situations are different: the need to use banking customers and enterprise software to run the games. There are many ways to run applications written for Windows, using both third-party tools, and Apple proprietary solutions.

They can be divided into three categories: high-grade Installation Windows, the use of virtual machines and emulators Windows programming environment. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so we consider them all, so you can choose the most convenient for you.

Installing Windows using Boot Camp

Especially for the unfortunates who can not break all ties with Windows, Apple has created a utility "Boot Camp Assistant"You can use to prepare your Mac to install Windows and actually install it. This creates a separate partition that allows the operating system to work both independently of each other on the disk.

You will need 50 GB of free space and a Windows boot disk. The actual installation process is very simple, just need to follow the wizard and wait for completion. After the reboot, you will get their hands on a full version of Windows as a normal PC. It remains necessary to install applications or games - and you can use it. Learn more about the requirements and supported versions can be found

here.

Benefits of Boot Camp

• Performance. Since all the resources of Mac OS uses only one, we get the maximum performance.
• Compatibility. Thanks to a full-fledged Windows provides full compatibility with all applications and games.

Disadvantages Boot Camp

• Restart. To start Windows every time you will have to restart the Mac.
• Lack of integration. Windows does not support file system HFS +, which means that to get out of it access to OS X files can not be, as well as vice versa.

Virtual machine

This method is very similar to the previous one, but is a little different in implementation. With him, we also get a full-fledged operating system, but it is not established a real "iron", and virtual. Special software (virtual machine) emulates a hardware platform to run the Windows, Mac selecting a part of the resources, and it turns out that one OS is running inside another.

There are several virtual machines, both paid and free. According to the principle of the work they are similar, but the differences are small and more are in functionality. Windows installs from a bootable disk or physical media. Choose the number of resources that you are willing to share with the guest operating system (CPU, memory, disk space), and then as usual install Windows and necessary applications and use in a window or full screen, at any time by switching between OS X and Windows.

Parallels Desktop

Perhaps the most popular among the "makovodov" virtual machine. Parallels updated regularly, always works with current versions of OS X and Windows, and has additional features such as hybrid mode when the screen simultaneously displays the OS X interface and Windows, and run the application, regardless of their accessories. In addition, the program is able to run Windows from Partition Boot Camp, which is convenient if you need to access any applications or data without rebooting.

The disadvantage of the program is that Parallels is not free. Younger version will cost you 79.99 dollars.

VMware Fusion

Another commercial solution for operating system virtualization. chip key VMware Fusion is sharing wizard to migrate entire environment from your Windows-based PCs into a virtual machine and continue using applications already on the Mac. Installed Windows has in common with the OS X clipboard, as well as access to files and network resources. Its application is fully integrated with the functions of OS X (Spotlight, Mission Control, Exposé). In addition, supported by the launch of the Windows partition Boot Camp.

VMware Fusion is worth 6300 rubles, but before you buy, you can explore its possibilities for a free trial.

VirtualBox

If your plans do not include additional costs to run Windows-based applications, your choice - VirtualBox from Oracle. Compared with pay peers she has much less capacity, but is good enough for simple tasks. Integration with OS X system functions should not count, but the basic things like the common clipboard and access to network resources are available. Free VirtualBox fully justifies all its limitations.

The advantages of virtual machines

• Simultaneous operation of the two operating systems. To run Windows-based applications do not need to restart the Mac.
• File Sharing. Because Windows is running in OS X, the problem with the support of file systems offline.

Disadvantages of Virtual Machines

• Low productivity. Due to the fact that the Mac resources are divided between the two operating systems, application performance is much lower, especially in not the most new computers.
• compatibility issues. Some applications (mostly games) that require direct access to the "iron" may not work properly or not work at all.

Using the emulator

With emulators everything quite differently than with virtual machines and Boot Camp. Rather, they have something in common with the virtual machines, but they do not emulate Windows entirely, but only those of its software components, which are necessary for the desired application. Full OS and access to its functions, we will not we get a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows-based application directly in the medium OS X.

All simulators are working on the same principle. Initialized installing applications via setup.exe, and then in its process to customize your settings and automatically start loading the necessary libraries. After that appears on Launchpad icon of the application that will work as well as all native software OS X.

WineBottler

This emulator can convert .EXE-file compatibility with OS X application. Also WineBottler It allows you to automatically download some already-configured Windows-based applications. It is completely free and compatible with OS X El Capitan.

Wineskin

Another emulator which, as the previous uses Wine library to create ports. Compared with the previous solution, Wineskin It has more options and allows more finely set the parameters. We talked in detail about his set up and use in a separate article.

CrossOver

Commercial emulator, which the design team has adapted and configured to have a lot of popular Windows-based applications and games. CrossOver It has a friendly interface, and also eliminates the need to dig into settings and deal with possible errors. The only negative - it is paid. The license costs 20.95 dollars, but there is a 14-day trial period.

The advantages of the emulators

• I do not need a license Windows. Emulators run applications through a compatibility layer, so a licensed copy of the operating system is not necessary.
• Performance. Again, because of the economy of resources that are consumed in a virtual machine to run the Windows full, we get a better performance in comparison with them.

disadvantages emulators

• The complexity of the settings. To use the Windows-based applications they first need to set up, and it's not always easy, especially with games.
• compatibility issues. In some cases, the application (more resource-intensive) may not work properly or not work at all.

What to choose

What is the result of such a variety to choose from? The unequivocal answer to this question is no. In each case, you need to make a start on your needs, but in general the following recommendations.

• Boot Camp suitable primarily for gamers and users who want maximum performance and compatibility with the software. Reboot the Mac - and get a full-fledged computer with Windows.
• Virtual machines help out in cases where the need both operating systems simultaneously. Sacrificing performance, but avoid reboots and get a good integration.
• Emulators It can be recommended only for simple tasks, and infrequent use. For example, when a couple of times per month you need to use bank-client or occasionally ponostalgirovat in your favorite game.

Choose for themselves the most appropriate option, and in the comments tell me, for what purpose you use Windows-based applications on your Mac, and how they run.