Long gone are the days when you had to choose between Mac or PC - now you can have your cake and eat it with Parallels Desktop 8.0 which allows you to run Windows and other operating systems within OS X.
A more convenient alternative to Boot Camp
There are essentially two options to run Windows on the Mac - using Boot Camp which involves installing Windows on a separate partition and rebooting it in Windows or, running Windows in a virtual environment, such as the one that Parallels Desktop provides. With the former, you'll get quicker and more realistic results but there's no substitute for being able to switch at will between OS X and Windows which is what Parallels Desktop allows you to do.
Setting up Parallels Desktop is a breeze. You'll either need a copy of Windows on CD to install it or an ISO image will also suffice. Parallels Desktop will then install Windows in about the same amount of time that it would take to make a fresh install of Windows on a PC. The Transporter feature guides you through the whole setup process, asking you if you'd like to be able to share files between OS X and Windows and use external devices amongst others.
There's no need to worry about viruses on your Mac by running Windows in Parallels Desktop - any viruses will be restricted to the virtual environment that Windows operates in and won't affect your Mac in any way. However, version 7 of Parallels includes a security barrier to ensure there is absolutely no risk.
To launch Parallels Desktop you have two choices. Either launch it from your dock, it will ask you which version of Windows you'd like to launch (if you've installed more than one) and allow you to change settings such as the amount of RAM allocated to Parallels, hard disk space and hardware acceleration. Alternatively, just double click on the file you want to use and Parallels Desktop will automatically open it in Windows or OS X depending on the file type. In this way, version 7 has blurred the line between Windows and OS X so that switching between the two has never been easier.
Can be slow sometimes
You may notice that the mouse runs sluggishly (among other niggles) but this can be easily remedied by going to the Actions menu and downloading Parallels Tools. Why this is a separate component I have no idea because it makes running of Parallels far smoother and more realistic but it doesn't take much time to download.
There are many other great features in Parallels Desktop too, including the possibility to use Spotlight to find Windows files and applications. Mac keyboard shortcuts work in Windows too as do parental controls. Adding USB devices is a breeze and the Mountain Lion resume feature now extends to Windows apps too.
What's New
The latest version of Parallels Desktop brings full OS X Yosemite compatibility. It's also faster in terms on launch time meaning you can crank-up Parallels when you need it and have it up and going within seconds instead of running it in the background for instant access. Amongst other changes, Parallels also now includes support for iCloud Drive and iPhoto Libraries within Windows. There's also a new useful Yosemite Notification Center widget that displays any other virtual machines you're running and the resources they’re consuming.
A great tool to run Windows and OSX at the same time
It's a bit more sluggish than using Boot Camp to install Windows on your Mac but the latest version of Parallels Desktop makes it faster and more convenient than ever to switch between Windows and OS X.
Recent changes
- Speak, dont type - Use the new OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Dictation tool across both Windows and Mac environments
- Open in Internet Explorer - When a website doesnt render well within Safari, launch it in Internet Explorer with a click of a button
- Parallels Wizard - Download and automatically install Windows or other operating systems (OSes) including Google Chrome OS, Ubuntu and Android on your Mac.
- Windows apps on OS X Launchpad - Add Windows applications to the OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or Lion Launchpad to quickly launch Mac and Windows applications used most
- Consolidated notifications - Integration of Windows notifications into the Mac OS X Notification Center makes it easy to stay updated on Windows virtual machine operations
- Mountain Lion gestures for Windows apps - Enjoy seamless integration of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion gestures with Windows apps such as pinch to zoom, Mission Control, three-finger drag, swipe between full-screen apps, two-finger scroll, Launchpad and rotate
- Retina display support - Enjoy stunning Retina display resolution in Windows OS and Windows applications to see crisper fonts, vivid photos, images and animations
- Improved Parallels Desktop 8 performance - Up to 30 percent faster for input/output (I/O) operations, 30 percent faster for games and up to 25 percent faster for virtual machine operations such as boot, suspend, shutdown and resume, when compared to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac
Notes
Please note: Parallels 8 is a $49.99 upgrade for customers who purchased a previous version before July 24, 2012.
Pros
- Very easy to set up
- Allows you to switch effortlessly between Windows and OS X
- Interchanges files between your OS X and Windows environment
- Latest version is faster than ever
- Use Windows apps from your Dock
- Now allows access from mobile devices
- Uses speech recognition in OS X
- Puts Windows apps into Dock
- Integrated with iCloud
- Can be a bit slow to use compared to an installation of Windows using Boot Camp
- Requires a lot of free hard drive space to work
- Leaves components behind after uninstall
source : http://parallels-desktop-10.en.softonic.com/mac
download : http://parallels-desktop-10.en.softonic.com/mac/download
2) Shift It for Mac 1.2
Manage open windows in Mac OS X Nick Mead
Shift It is a simple tool that adds 10 useful actions to control Mac OS X windows, usually static and limited in customization.
It's far more flexible and powerful than Exposé, allowing you to place windows on the left, top right, lower left, lower right, half left, half right, top, bottom, focused or maximized. There's no need to even touch the mouse either, Shift It enables all of these functions with keyboard shortcuts.
If you do want to use the mouse, Shift It is accessible directly from the Menu bar. You can also check for updates and access a limited number of preferences from the Menu Bar. It's shame you can't assign mouse actions to Shift It like in Exposé but its a minor drawback of a generally very handy tool.
Shift It is a powerful windows manager which makes managing your windows in OS X much easier.
Pros
- Great way to manage windows in OS X
- Shifts windows instantly
- Keyboard shortcuts
Cons
- No way to setup mouse gestures
source : http://shift-it.en.softonic.com/mac
download : http://shift-it.en.softonic.com/mac/download
3) VirtualBox for Mac 4.3.8
Run Windows and OS X at the same time Nick Mead
VirtualBox is a free alternative to visualization software such as Parallels and VMWare. Although it may not be as polished, its generally an excellent free solution to what can be an expensive problem.
VirtualBox allows you to install an alternative operating system on your Mac such as Windows, Linux, Solaris and just about any other OS you can think of. VirtualBox is considerably lighter than more well known packages such as Parallels and setting up a new OS is very simple and straightforward. VirtualBox guides you through the whole process step-by-step.
Integration with your native environment is straightforward although not as slick as Parallels. VirtualBox allows you to define 'shared folders', which can then be accessed from within the operating system you're running in VirtualBox. However, you have to install a "Guest" add-on first (which only takes a few seconds) and it's not made very clear how you actually access the shared folders once you've set them up. There is no drag-and-drop function from your native desktop into VirtualBox but considering it's free, you really can't complain.
When it comes to USB devices, VirtualBox automatically detects new ones and asks you if you wish to use them. Internet connections should work instantly after installation as VirtualBox automatically configures it for net access.
If you don't want to pay for Parallels or VMWare, and only need a virtual environment for ocassional use, VirtualBox is an excellent solution.
Recent changes
- VMM: more work on improving the emulation of certain MSR registers (e.g. bugs #12224, #12544)
- VMM: fixed a VERR_INVALID_RPL Guru Meditation when booting certain guests (bug #11350)
- VMM: experimental support for SSE 4.1 / SSE 4.2 passthrough, see the manual for more information how to enable it (bug #8651)
- VMM: fix for recent Linux kernels with software virtualization
- GUI: experimental HID LEDs synchronization for Windows hosts, see the manual for more information
- GUI: warn the user if the Oracle Extension Pack is not installed and the user tries to activate the remote display feature (bug #9104)
- GUI: make sure that a minimized guest (using mini toolbar in fullscreen/seamless mode) keeps the minimized state (bug #12199)
- GUI: popup banner's "do not show this message again" check-box replaced with corresponding button
- GUI: network adapter cables can now be connected/disconnected directly through the running virtual machine Devices / Network menu a Network status-bar indicator
- GUI: the new VM wizard now proposes 64-bit guests on 64-bit hosts by default; better distinction between 32-bit OS types 64-bit OS types (bug #12533)
- GUI: better error message if appliance import fails (bug #12657)
- GUI: allow to set host-combination to 'None' using the Global settings / Input page (bug #12730)
- GUI: don't switch the guest to a black screen during online snapshot merge (4.3 regression)
- VBoxManage: when exporting an appliance, support the suppression of MAC addresses, which means they will be always recreated on import, avoiding duplicate MAC addresses for VMs which are imported several times
- AHCI: fixed a VM hang during suspend under certain circumstances
- AHCI: fixed a VM hang during online snapshot merge under certain circumstances
- AHCI: fixed a bug which resulted in Windows XP guest hangs if a SATA CDROM is attached (bug #12417)
- AHCI: fixed a Guru Meditation under certain conditions
- AHCI: ejecting a CD/DVD medium failed under certain conditions
- AHCI: disk hotplugging fixes
- NAT: transparent handling of host sleep/resume and network configuration changes if the dnsproxy is enabled or if the hostresolver is used (bug #12441)
- NAT: fixed crash and misbehaviour under some circumstances with ICMP packets having TTL=1
- NAT Network: fixed IPv6 reassembly
- NAT Network: ping proxy implemented
- OVF: fixed reading of the OVF 0.9 section element (4.3 regression; bug #12345)
- OVF: several fixes
- 3D: several fixes, multiscreen fixes (e.g. bug #9124)
- 3D: include 3D content in captured videos (bug #12666)
- 3D: include 3D content in captured screenshot (bug #11758)
- VGA: proper handling of legacy graphics modes if the Guest Additions are active (bug #6649)
- USB: fixed crash during isochronous transfer under rare circumstances
- BIOS: better disk geometry handling of SCSI drives
- API: fix crashes in Java API clients using the XPCOM binding, happened with output parameters only (bug #11232)
- VBoxSVC: documented the handling of host power management events (see the manual for more information) and added an extradata item for configuring the handling of the battery-low event (bug #9925)
- VBoxSVC: fixed a bug which could trigger a crash if a VM snapshot was restored the second time and the VM has associated bandwidth groups (bug #12569)
- VBoxSVC: properly detect ifconfig if located in /bin (bug #12713)
- Shared Folders: fixed a failure to restore transient shared folders when starting a VM from a saved state (bug #12578)
- Mac OS X hosts: fixed issue when the application icon was frozen in the dock if the bridging interface was not connected to a network (bug #12241)
- Linux hosts: also consider the physical package ID when determining the number of physical CPU cores
- Linux hosts / guests: don't warn in kernel log if memory allocation fails (bug #11171)
- Solaris hosts: fixed the autostart SMF script (bug #11720)
- Windows hosts: fixes for non-ANSI code page user names and similar environment contents (bug #12596)
- Windows hosts / guests: fixed setting and using a guest user's process environment variables (relevant for Guest Control)
- Windows Additions: fixed handle leaks in VBoxTray (bug #12563)
- Windows Additions: fixed a crash while detecting active guest users
- Windows Additions: fixed restoring backed up D3D files on XPDM -> WDDM upgrade
- Guest Control: fixed setting and using a guest user's process environment variables
- Linux Additions: support Enterprise Linux 6.5 kernels (bug #12505)
- Linux Additions: fixed CPU hot-remove on newer Linux kernels
- Linux / Solaris Additions: don't automount a shared folder which is already mounted
- X11 Additions: support X.Org Server 1.15 (bug #12623)
- Easy installation
- Offers many of the same features common to Parallels
- Folder sharing and USB support
Cons
- Doesn't support drag and drop
- Doesn't feature extended preferences of Parallels
- Finding shared folders is a bit tricky
source : http://virtualbox-mac.en.softonic.com/mac
download : http://virtualbox-mac.en.softonic.com/mac/download
Tutorial : http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-use-virtualbox/
4) WineBottler for Mac 1.6.1
Run Windows applications on your Mac Softonic Editorial Team
Most people who need Windows access use a virtual environment such as
Parallels or VMWare Fusion to run Windows applications virtually on a Mac.
However, if you don't need Windows and only need to run Windows applications Darwine might be able to help you. The Darwine project aimed to port and develop WINE as well as other supporting tools that allow Darwin and Mac OS X users to run Windows Applications. For developers out there, it also aims to provide a Win32 API compatibility at application source code level.
You should note, however, that as of May this year, the Darwine project has officially ended. Darwine is now known as WineBottler, although you can still use the last-known build of it, which is provided here. Note that Darwine runs only on Intel Macs with Tiger and Leopard and Snow Leopard is not supported yet. Darwine also isn't suitable for running 3D applications because there's no support for OpenGL as yet.
Darwine has many limitations and is now superseded by WineBottler but it's still worth a try if all other methods at running a Windows application in OS X have failed.
Recent changes
- Support for IRDA protocol
- Faster initial wineprefix creation
- Axis remapping with evdev joysticks
- More image formats in WindowsCodecs
- Various bug fixes
Notes
This app was previously known as Darwine
Pros
- Easier than installing a virtual machine
- Free to use
Cons
- Doesn't support OpenGL
- Superseded by WineBottler
- No Snow Leopard support
source : http://darwine-winebottler.en.softonic.com/mac
download : http://darwine-winebottler.en.softonic.com/mac/download
5) VMware Fusion for Mac 7.0.1.2235595
Run Windows within OS X Nick Mead
The ability to run Windows on Macs has massively increased the reach and popularity of Apple computers. But you need a virtual environment to do so and the choice usually comes down to either Parallels or VMware Fusion.
For developers this ability is absolutely essential, allowing you to run Windows and other operating systems all at the same time. But even for general users, the ability to access Windows for using certain Windows only applications or to play games is invaluable. Gamers may be attracted to using VMware Fusion but should note that it won't perform as well as Bootcamp because Bootcamp allocates all of your RAM and CPU to Windows (or whatever other OS you might be using) while VMware Fusion only hosts it within OS X.
Firstly, you're going to have to make sure you've got a lot of RAM installed because VMware Fusion is very demanding. A minimum of 2GB RAM is recommended for it to run smoothly and, if you're intending on running several other applications at once with it, preferably 4GB. It's also extremely CPU intensive so it will sap your battery energy in no time.
The user interface of VMware Fusion is excellent. It's a clean and intuitive Cocoa-native interface that Mac users will be familiar with. It allows you to launch your Windows applications from the Dock and switch between Windows and Mac applications using Expose. The developer has used high performance virtualization technology that allows you to simultaneously run 32 and 64-bit operating systems, use two processor cores at the same time, run certain 3D games (but see above regarding this), and utilize USB 3.0 devices.
Most recently its been updated for the demands of Mountain Lion and Windows 8. Windows 8 apps now appear in the OS X Launchpad and you can even receive notifications from Mountain Lion’s Notification Center in Windows 8. VMWare Fusion 5.0 has also been optimized for Retina displays, USB 3 connectivity including Thunderbolt support.
One major downside of VMWare Fusion, however, is that it doesn't update automatically. Updating involves filling in lengthy forms on the publisher's site and then waiting for a link to be sent to you - not ideal. Those who rely on MacFuse will also be disappointed to realize that only the 32-bit version is supported in this release.
Overall however VMWare Fusion is a solid option for anyone that wants to run another operating system on their Mac - provided you have the specs.
Recent changes
- Note: Users who purchased VMware Fusion 4 on or after July 25 will receive a free upgrade to version 5.
- Designed for Mountain Lion - Run Windows on Mountain Lion and search Windows programs in Launchpad, use "AirPlay Mirroring" to stream Mac and Windows applications on an HDTV and get VMware Fusion notifications in Mountain Lion's notification center.
- Windows 8 Optimization - VMware Fusion 5 supports Windows 8 standard, pro and enterprise editions so consumers can optimize the new Windows 8 "Metro" environment directly on a Mac.
- Enhanced Mac Support - Support for the latest Mac technologies include compatibility with Mountain Lion, retina display optimization, USB 3 connectivity, and improved support for large memory Macs.
- Next Generation Performance - Performance enhancements include up to 40% faster general performance speeds compared to the previous version of the product, improved power management for longer battery life and faster 3D graphics.
- Additional Functionalities - New, powerful ways to experience Windows on a Mac are available through an updated virtual machine library that enables seamless transitions between multiple operating systems, one click snapshots with improved graphical appearance, a brand new graphics driver for Linux 3D desktops, and a new embedded learning center for immediate support.
Notes
Download link takes you to an external page which requires registration.
Pros
- Runs Windows seamlessly in OS X
- Superb Cocoa interface
- Optimized for Windows 8 and Mountain Lion
- Very easy to install a new OS
- Supports Thunderbolt
Cons
- Very heavy on RAM and CPU
- Gaming is faster using Bootcamp
- May result in frequent lock-ups and crashes if CPU and RAM resources are low
- No auto-updates
source : http://vmware-fusion.en.softonic.com/mac
download : http://vmware-fusion.en.softonic.com/mac/download
other source : http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-ways-get-windows-mac/
other source : http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-ways-get-windows-mac/
