windows emulator for mac

Windows Emulator For Mac

Loyal Macintosh users who do not use a Windows emulator for Mac often feel very frustrated when they come across excellent applications that run only on a Windows platform. Files created in a Window OS are not so much a problem.

There are several websites that offer free file conversions to Apple supported file types and they are convenient enough to use. Windows-only applications are problematic though, especially if there are no comparable alternatives.

New Options for Mac Users:

The good news is that there are several options for Mac users looking for a Windows emulator for Mac. These include the following free and paid versions with varying feature sets to suit different requirements.

Free Options for Macs:

Free Options VirtualBox is an open source freeware that provides computer users the ability to run different operating systems in a virtual environment.

VirtualBox itself is free, but users will have to purchase the Windows OS separately. It does an excellent job at emulating different systems, but only works on Macintosh computers running on an Intel processor.

WineBottler is another open source free that can be used for running Windows applications on a Mac computer. Although not as good as VirtualBox, its website does offer excellent information on how to use the program.

Open Source Options:

Another open source freeware alternative, Wine HQ emulates a Windows environment on Mac X, Solaris, Linux and FreeBSD. Since the developers are volunteers, there is no official technical support for Wine users, but the active Wine community more than makes up for this.

Commercial Options CrossoverMac is part of a Windows emulator suite from CodeWeavers that also includes an emulator for Linux and a Windows games emulator for Mac and Linux platforms.

CrossoverMac is an excellent program that allows users to use Windows applications on a Mac machines running 10.5 and later OS versions.

Easy of Use for You:

Ease of use is exceptional because it practically does not require any additional actions after installation. Once installed, the software will automatically allow access and installation of Windows discs and downloads.

Parallels Desktop is the top windows emulator for Mac product on the market today, although it only supports 64-bit applications. Its unique, award-winning features include drag-and-drop and cut-and-paste functionality between Windows and OS X.

Using Multiple Monitors:

The use of multiple monitors and Apple remote control for Windows programs are also supported. VMware Fusion is Parallel Desktops closest competitor.

It was the first to provide the ability to run Windows 7 on a Mac OS and has the advantage of having the ability to run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications simultaneously. Drag and drop functionality is also present as well as the ability to play games with DirectX 3D graphics and Open GL.

With so many options to choose from, Mac users can easily find a Windows emulator for Mac to fit their requirements and their budget. Free versions offer basic emulator functionality at no cost.

Premium Paid Versions:

Paid versions offer premium features, ease of use and technical support for a price, but trial versions are available for evaluation. Although paid versions do offer more robust functionality, even the free versions will allow loyal Mac users who simply do not want to switch to a Windows OS the ability to use Windows applications and easily access files created with a Windows OS.