I would like to buy some software that will only run on windows.

What is the cheapest way to get windows running on my 2009 or 2012 macbook pro?

gg

You can see if the program will run under "wine."

[en.wikipedia.org]

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[www.zeemaps.com]

if you really need windows (I assume you have some sort of windows license):

1-cheapest is Bootcamp (free) but you need to give up some of the hard drive, and you need to reboot

2-Parallels is often on sale for $20-30.

there are other options live VMWare (I think that's how it is spelled) but I never tried those and I don't think they are cheaper than option #2.

The cheapest way? Boot Camp.

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It is what it is.

I do not have a Windows license.

It says it will run with Windows XP, 7, Vista or 8

gg

you might try crossover.

Winblows 8 is fairly cheap at the retail level. Or you can buy W7 fairly cheaply on Craigslist that are using improperly obtained activation codes.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

Cheapest way to do it reliably is to buy a system-builder license for Windows and use Boot Camp.

...But spend the extra money and install a VM on the 2012. Boot Camp is a b!tch to back up and migrate when the time comes and Parallels or VMware Fusion will only take a modest speed hit vs native-booting, assuming you have a decent amount of RAM.

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If you are not fond of going the Boot Camp route, Virtual Box from Oracle (virtualbox.org) is free. I am running Windows 7 with it on a MacBook Pro.

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jawg
If you are not fond of going the Boot Camp route, Virtual Box from Oracle (virtualbox.org) is free. I am running Windows 7 with it on a MacBook Pro.

'Can't recommend Virtualbox. I spend way too much of my valuable time troubleshooting it with clients who tried to save $50 bucks and spend thousands on support as a consequence.

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What goodmanx said:

[www.codeweavers.com]

I currently do one thing, run Project '13 or '16 on Win10 on VirtualBox and its fine. Gotta install the Guest Services or whatever it's called to enable shared folders and drag n drop.

The most expensive thing about running Windows on a Mac is buying Windows.

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goose,

What are the system requirements for the software? Truth to say, you might do well buying a dirt cheap Windows notebook. That's what I would do if I needed to run windows app.

Sure, it's nice to have it on your Mac either via bootcamp, parallels, etc. Despite that, I've found for simplicity and compatibility, a basic Windows notebook does the job nicely and they can be had very reasonable prices.

Refurbs or closeouts from the usual manufacturers. Machines on sale, purchased with a discount coupon from Staples and similar shops. Older models from Groupon, etc. Lots of ways to reduce the price significantly.

Robert

I used VirtualBox for awhile and it worked well but had some limitations and bugs. I switched to Parallels and have been very happy. For very limited use I have had success with Wine but it is confusing and difficult.

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Ukulele music I couldn't find anywhere else.
[colquhoun.info]

Quote
jawg
If you are not fond of going the Boot Camp route, Virtual Box from Oracle (virtualbox.org) is free. I am running Windows 7 with it on a MacBook Pro.

Virtualbox - I have had no problem with it and been running it for 3 years.

Quote
bazookaman
The most expensive thing about running Windows on a Mac is buying Windows.

It is software to learn and improve Goose calling. It has a microphone, it records your calls and provides feedback for improvements.

It says it will run on XP and 1.5 gig of memory.

I might just buy a laptop from the University of Wisconsin surplus. They include a license and can be as cheap as $150.

gg

Here is the cheapest example.

Lenovo R400
Processor: Centrino Duo
Speed: Dual 2.53ghz
Memory: 4gb
Hard Drive: 160gb
Screen: 14 inch
Media Device: CD-RW/DVD-ROM
$150 w/ Win 7 64-bit