Author Topic: Mac Users Only: Do you run Windows Applications on your Mac (Read 11229 times)

Adeptris · « **on:** September 22, 2009, 02:57 »

Just for the Mac users, I am thinking of developing a small desktop application with Microsoft Visual Studio, when compiled it would need to run on Windows with the dot.net framework, before I start I was wondering about the Mac users.

I am not a Mac user but understand there are Mac applications that allow Windows applications to run on a Mac, do the Mac users here have the ability to run Windows applications, or do you only install applications for the Mac operating system.

Any other information is welcomed.

Thanks

David

nicemonkey · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2009, 03:30 »

I haven't had the need to run a window application on my mac for about 5 years. There is such a wide range of applications available for the mac platform now that it would be a backwards step to put windows on it.

runamock · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2009, 03:44 »

I’d agree with nicemonkey and only use mac applications for the mac platform. I do use a PC but only when I have to!

CvanDijk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2009, 05:03 »

I also agree with nicemonkey. My PC is also only used when there is no other option (for example for my bookkeeping program)

PixelsAway · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2009, 06:27 »

I am running Windows XP under VMware Fusion on my Mac - mostly some scientific software like Mathcad, Grapher, Surfer, some Fortran compilers, also Garmin MapSource.
I used to run DeepMeta before the Mac version was available.

Fran · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2009, 08:46 »

You can use Mono on Mac to run .NET applications.
http://www.mono-project.com/Mono:OSX

PeterChigmaroff · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2009, 09:22 »

Quote from: CvanDijk on September 22, 2009, 05:03

I also agree with nicemonkey. My PC is also only used when there is no other option (for example for my bookkeeping program)

Same her exactly.

cathyslife · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2009, 09:34 »

A few years ago I ran Windows on my Mac using Virtual PC. It worked, but was VERY slow. The MAC OS now includes Boot Camp. But as I understand it, you can only run one OS at a time under this. That is, you must boot up in Windows, do stuff, then re-boot to run Mac OS. To me, that would be way too cumbersome.

I also used a utility at my last job called Chicken of the VNC. It too allowed me to connect to the Windows server and work, but it was very slow and the cursor was very jerky, so sometimes you accidentally clicked on things you didn't want.

Until they come up with software that makes Windows run pretty much like native OS software on the Mac, I don't think I would run a Windows ap on my Mac.

I have a small Acer Inspire PC I use for checking functionality of websites I build. I do the minimum amount I have to on Windows XP.

disorderly · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2009, 09:57 »

I got Windows XP running under Parallels a while back, largely to support an MySpace app I used for a writer friend. I haven't used it since I got it running, and haven't upgraded Parallels to the Snow Leopard version. The problem isn't performance; it's that having Windows running makes my Mac as vulnerable to attack as every other PC out there. Not worth it.

alias · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2009, 10:00 »

Quote from: cclapper on September 22, 2009, 09:34

Until they come up with software that makes Windows run pretty much like native OS software on the Mac, I don't think I would run a Windows ap on my Mac.

Parallels and VMWare both do exactly that. They both run very well on Intel Macs with enough memory.

If you really have to use some Windows application then they are perfect.

Adeptris · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2009, 10:59 »

Thanks for the input, it looks like I need to look at another programming language and delivery method, maybe a browser plug-in and Java?

The applet needs to run on the local machine, anyone know which language is cross platform or what browser is most popular on Mac's?

David

alias · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2009, 11:46 »

The X11 layer is now installed by default with Snow Leopard on Macs AFAIK so maybe that is another possibility. And has long been available as an optional.

Or what about doing it as a standalone Java application ?

A frequent problem with apps ported to the Mac but not designed on the Mac is that they do not properly integrate with the environment - both in terms the visual design sensibilities and methodologies (integration with menus etc) - and in terms of where they install their data.

bittersweet · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2009, 15:11 »

Quote from: Adeptris on September 22, 2009, 10:59

Thanks for the input, it looks like I need to look at another programming language and delivery method, maybe a browser plug-in and Java?

The applet needs to run on the local machine, anyone know which language is cross platform or what browser is most popular on Mac's?

David

I have a MacBook Pro and have WindowsXP running via Parallels. I rarely use it except it is handy to have a Windows browser and a Mac browser (usually Safari) running simultaneously on my desktop when I'm working on a web site. It is amazing how different they can appear sometimes.

Safari is the native browser for Mac but a lot of users also use Firefox.

jwohlfeil · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2009, 18:47 »

I do run windows only apps on my Mac - but only when absolutely necessary, not by choice. I use Parallels software to run TinyXP. I have set up a Windows partition and Bootcamp, but Parallels works fine for what I need.

I use an application called Deep Sky Stacker that is windows only.

stock shooter · « **Reply #14 on:** September 23, 2009, 09:46 »

No need to run Windows apps and honestly no desire to. Nothing but bad experiences with PC's in the past. That being said however, I like to play games, primarily first person shooters and on-line matches and so I am considering installing Windows when i upgrade to 10.6 in order to play games, but that is the only reason, and it really irks me that more great games are not ported to the mac.

NitorPhoto · « **Reply #15 on:** September 23, 2009, 17:29 »

After nearly two decades as a win user I few years ago I switched to mac. As so many other users I advertised it to my friends to switch and forget that loser PCs. Three years gone and I silently switched back to PCs and using my mac only for locational shooting.
My advise is simple: don't use a mac for WIN programs, use a PC for it. And use the mac when you need to run a mac software. And you will live longer.

Suljo · « **Reply #16 on:** September 23, 2009, 20:51 »

Quote from: Adeptris on September 22, 2009, 02:57

Just for the Mac users, I am thinking of developing a small desktop application with Microsoft Visual Studio, when compiled it would need to run on Windows with the dot.net framework, before I start I was wondering about the Mac users.

I am not a Mac user but understand there are Mac applications that allow Windows applications to run on a Mac, do the Mac users here have the ability to run Windows applications, or do you only install applications for the Mac operating system.

Any other information is welcomed.

Thanks

David

"do the Mac users here have the ability to run Windows applications"
Yes but why? (they are always unstable and in some kind of final beta)

"or do you only install applications for the Mac operating system"
Some applications you dont need to install to run it just dra and drop or just try them from virtual disc.

I see you posts below I think Java is best way to handle with all operating systems.

Adeptris · « **Reply #17 on:** September 24, 2009, 02:51 »

Quote from: Suljo on September 23, 2009, 20:51

I see you posts below I think Java is best way to handle with all operating systems.

Looks like the best option, another programming language to learn

David

Fotonaut · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2009, 05:28 »

Never run Windows apps. When on Mac it is easiest to accept that some things you can’t run. I needed to update my GPS’ maps a while ago, Windows only, and borrowed my girlfriends work PC with Vista. The upgrades did not work. I am sticking to my OS X, and buy compatible hardware and software.

Mr. Stock · « **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2009, 08:46 »

Windows running in Parallels or natively (installed via Boot Camp) run perfectly. I've used both with no issue. My sister is a teacher and there is one program that she has to use which is not supported for the Mac and so she installed Parallels on her Mac Book Pro. I enjoy First Person Shooter games so I installed Windows on a separate internal HD which runs natively, used boot camp to install, and so far no issues at all.

MicrostockGroup Sponsors

Poll

Windows Applications on your Mac

Author Topic: Mac Users Only: Do you run Windows Applications on your Mac (Read 11229 times)

Adeptris

nicemonkey

runamock

CvanDijk

PixelsAway

Fran

PeterChigmaroff

cathyslife

disorderly

alias

Adeptris

alias

bittersweet

jwohlfeil

stock shooter

NitorPhoto

Suljo

Adeptris

Fotonaut

Mr. Stock

Related Topics

Sponsors

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors