Run Windows Application on Your Mac OS X
Posted in MAC OS | By AhTim @ December 30th, 2009
Image by luisfersolano
I have use Macbook for almost a month. Most of the regular use Windows softwares can get a replacement in Mac OS X, except two: Microsoft Access and Library Resource (a 3rd party software).
In order to use the softwares, I have no choice but to install VirtualBox with Windows 7 and run on to of it. It is like a dream to run Windows application on Mac OS X.
Yesterday when surfing the Internet, found a free software that allow Mac OS X (Unix-like OS) to run Windows applications – WINE. In fact, I have used WINE some years ago on Linux, but don’t know can run on Mac OS too!
How To Run Windows Application on Mac?
WINE itself is not enough to run windows applications on Mac OS. You need package manager MacPorts and X11 too. To eliminate tremendously difficult setup steps, I choose to give a try on WineBottler. It is a software bundled with all utilities that you need to run Windows application.
WineBottler allows you to install several useful premade prefixes such as Ms Access 2003, Minesweeper game, etc. No configuration, just select and click to install. Download WineBottler Beta here.
My Two Cents
Can I totally run my 3rd party Windows software on Mac OS? No. Although Ms Access 2003 can run, it is quite troublesome to key in parameters when open files. Also, Ms Access 2007 is not supported yet.
Don’t need to say the 3rd party Library recourse software, it prompt lots of error in log file when open in Wine. Hope the final release could solve the problem in near future.
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Tags: Tweak Mac OS, Windows Software Mac OS, Wine, WineBottler
December 31st, 2009 at 12:21 pm
…I would prefer VirtualBox since it is free or Parallels or VMware.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I have a MAC and a PC, and I still love MAC the best. I’ve never tried running PC apps on the MAC, but I just might now!
January 4th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
MAC is the best indeed! Nevertheless, sometimes you must use windows… For that I use the VirtualBox and I’ve never complained.
January 5th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Hi, I have a pc currently running windows vista. How can I also have my computer run mac os x so that when I start up my computer it lets me choose if I want to run mac os x or vista.