CodeWeavers’CrossOver Macis unique among virtualization syllabus in that it does n’t in reality demand a copy of Windows . That ’s right : once you ’ve paid CodeWeavers your $ 60 ( $ 70 for a CD ) , you ’re quick to start installing Windows programs , without paying Microsoft a dime .
How is that potential ? CrossOver is a Mac execution ofWine , which provides versions of Windows - aboriginal libraries , so it appears to Windows apps that they ’re in a real Windows operat - ing system .
Installation
Installing CrossOver could n’t be much simpler : you just tangle its app icon into your Applications pamphlet . You do n’t require to hightail it an OS X installer , install Windows , or even reboot before you start using the program . To install a Windows program in CrossOver , you could either tuck the program ’s installation CD or pass CrossOver ’s Install Software assistant .
CrossOver usesbottlesto organize your installed software . A bottle is a virtual Windows surroundings , each with its own C : drive , fonts , and registry . you’re able to instal multiple applications in one bottle , or you’re able to create a new bottle for each program you instal .
If you ’re installing a programme that CrossOver do it how to manage , it ’ll make a feeding bottle mechanically . If you ’re instal an unsupported course of study , you ’ll require to specify which Windows it requires . ( Your choices are Windows 98 , Windows 2000 , or Windows XP . )
For most applications , that ’s all the configuring you ’ll take to do . If you do need to make some tweaks , you use CrossOver ’s Bottle Manager , which lets you conform all sorts of configurations ( see “ Configuring bottle ” ) . From then on , you may set up the program from within CrossOver or by just double - clicking on the diligence in the Finder , as you would do for any other bone X app .
Software support
Once it ’s establish , how well does CrossOver actually mould ? The answer drift from “ incredibly well ” to “ not at all . ” The company has classified more than 2,500 Windows program for compatibility . Ratings run from gold ( unadulterated compatibility ) and silver ( runs with some bugs ) down through the self - explanatory “ Known Not to process . ” Of those 2,500 - plus program , only 55 get a amber or silver rating ; the huge majority are label untried .
In my testing , those rating essay accurate . Older translation of Microsoft Office ( 97 and 2000 , both of which have a gold rating ) act upon quite well . spot XP ( with a atomic number 47 rating ) work OK , with an occasional graphical glitch and a wreck or two . new platform can be problematical : you may pass Internet Explorer 5 , but you ca n’t use versions 6 or 7 .
Gaming is where CrossOver offers a pleasant surprisal . Unlike Parallels , it indorse accelerated 3 - five hundred art . That mean you could ply some Windows games directly within OS X.
Hardware support
CrossOver can see any extraneous heavy drives ( USB and FireWire ) and computer memory peg that OS X can see , and you ’ll have memory access to them from the Open and Save dialog boxes in Windows . Other hardware is trickier . If your machine requires a Windows - specific driver , betting odds are it probably wo n’t process in CrossOver .
Who it’s good for
If your Windows needs are circumscribe — for object lesson , if you just want to open up and edit previous Office papers and do n’t want to pay for a Windows permit , CrossOver is a o.k. choice . It ’s also a viable choice for microcomputer gamers looking to play the periodic Windows game without logging out of group O X. But if you need a fuller Windows experience , one of the other programs will be a good fit .
CrossOver Mac 6.0
Pros : No need to purchase Windows ; living accelerate 3 - 500 graphics ; easy to install . con : special app compatibility ; no access code to the full Windows group O if you need it ; USB devices may not exercise with games . Price:$60Company : CodeWeavers
