running windows programme on a mac

[jameslloyd]

we currently have a mac as house computer and it is far better and easier to use than a windows based model.

So I want to run farm works (windows based) on it, anyone know if it is possible without installing window onto it?


j

 

[Cowabunga]

You will have to install Windows on it, either as a virtual machine within OSX or in its own partition using Bootcamp, which is standard on your Mac.
I use W7 in Bootcamp. Bought W7 from Amazon, a system builder version, which was cheaper and works just fine and installed with no problem whatsoever. The drawback with Bootcamp is that the computer has to be restarted when switching operating systems, so if you want to use both at the same time, or flick back and forth, go for a virtual machine. This means buying another program as well as Windows, but is the preferred option if your situation dictates it.
I'm happy with Bootcamp. When in Windows it is indistinguishable from any other W computer. It will need auto-updates and Microsoft's free virus protection switched on. Backups through Timemachine on OSX will not back up the Windows partition, so don't forget to back up files independently using the tools within Windows to an external drive. No doubt Farmworks has its own backup routine separate from Windows anyhow, possibly to Farmworks own cloud service?

 

[Philip Watkins]

You could try Wine

 

[jameslloyd]

You will have to install Windows on it, either as a virtual machine within OSX or in its own partition using Bootcamp, which is standard on your Mac.
I use W7 in Bootcamp. Bought W7 from Amazon, a system builder version, which was cheaper and works just fine and installed with no problem whatsoever. The drawback with Bootcamp is that the computer has to be restarted when switching operating systems, so if you want to use both at the same time, or flick back and forth, go for a virtual machine. This means buying another program as well as Windows, but is the preferred option if your situation dictates it.
I'm happy with Bootcamp. When in Windows it is indistinguishable from any other W computer. It will need auto-updates and Microsoft's free virus protection switched on. Backups through Timemachine on OSX will not back up the Windows partition, so don't forget to back up files independently using the tools within Windows to an external drive. No doubt Farmworks has its own backup routine separate from Windows anyhow, possibly to Farmworks own cloud service?

are you happy with that set up, what advantages does it give. Also do you think the extra expense of having windows and mac os is worth it?

 

[Cowabunga]

are you happy with that set up, what advantages does it give. Also do you think the extra expense of having windows and mac os is worth it?

It works perfectly but with the proviso already mentioned of having to reboot between operating systems. Using a virtual machine is probably a better way to do it if you really need both operating systems to work at the same time on the same screen [but in a different window or 'virtual machine'], but you then have to buy another program to achieve it.

Either you need to do this or you don't, so the expense of buying Windows is secondary. I need it because my cow management software only works with Windows while I now mostly do everything else on OSX.
Mind you, in truth, I do prefer to use Windows7 as an operating system, because I find the file structure more logical. That could be down to what I have been used to over the years though. Just as with learning to use the keyboard, I have actively chosen to use Apple OSX over the last year in order to master it, and that means that I use it always unless forced not to.
I have laptops with W7 and older generations that are still regularly used though.

The cattle tracing service has a much better, smoother, workflow on Internet Explorer than it does on Apple Safari, if that is relevant to you.

It was no problem whatsoever installing W7 on the iMac. The Mac has a program called Bootcamp built in as standard and all you need is to run that and follow the instructions to make a partition on the drive for Windows and instal Windows. The biggest hassle was finding where the controls to change from one to the other were after installation. In Windows it is on the screen bottom toolbar on the right but on Safari it is in System Preferences, System, Startup Disc. Easy and quick once you know how, but I had to find out for myself.

 

[jameslloyd]

You could try Wine

I am a novice regarding computers, I know how to drive them but not how to fix them.
Is this a parallel program? Have you tried this program with farmworks?

 

[Cowabunga]

I am a novice regarding computers, I know how to drive them but not how to fix them.
Is this a parallel program? Have you tried this program with farmworks?

Yep, keep it simple with the tried and tested. With Bootcamp there were and are no issues whatsoever. When in OSX it is pure apple. In W7 it is pure Windows. The only quirks at all are that the scroll works in a different direction and that two keys are swapped, possibly the @ and ?, can't remember offhand. Oh and the magic mouse needs a left click to activate it when systems are swapped. That is quite enough complication for me and probably for you too. No point asking for trouble.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

I use Parallels. Works well if you're booted into OS X then need to use a Windows program, without having to reboot as you would with Bootcamp. Depends how much time you're spending in Farm Works, also if most of your other day to day programs are in Windows or Mac OS will make a difference as rebooting constantly between the two will become a pita.

 

[Cowabunga]

I use Parallels. Works well if you're booted into OS X then need to use a Windows program, without having to reboot as you would with Bootcamp. Depends how much time you're spending in Farm Works, also if most of your other day to day programs are in Windows or Mac OS will make a difference as rebooting constantly between the two will become a pita.

Yes, precisely. Parallels is one of the programs that makes a 'virtual machine' so that Windows can work within a working OSX screen. If you wish to use both without waiting two minutes every time you switch, then a Parallels is the way to go. Personally it is not an issue and I'm more than happy with Bootcamp.

 

[Philip Watkins]

I am a novice regarding computers, I know how to drive them but not how to fix them.
Is this a parallel program? Have you tried this program with farmworks?

I haven't used wine. I don't use any windows programs.
I suggested wine because is an application that allows the running of windows based software without installing Windows (which is what you asked for). With Bootcamp or Parallels you still need a working installation of Windows.
Regarding your admittance to being a computer novice it would be wise to avoid wine. I would echo Cowabunga and use Windows in Bootcamp.

 

[Jim t]

Hi

we currently have a mac as house computer and it is far better and easier to use than a windows based model.

So I want to run farm works (windows based) on it, anyone know if it is possible without installing window onto it?


j

hi Jameslloyd
I realise this is a very old thread but i would be interested if bootcamp worked for you?
I use farm works and looked at connected farm but found it very expensive for wahat it is. What I want to do is put farm works on my ipad and have it in the tractor for field record keeping, would it work ?

Regards

James

 

[Cowabunga]

Does Farmworks have an app for iPad? If not, you are probably snookered. Bootcamp works on Apple OS for Mac, not for iPad.

I use an excellent management program called Farm Wizard. It is a cloud based system but with apps for both Android and iOS [iPad and iPhone] which synchronises using just the Google Chrome browser with any computer and works off-line for reviewing and recording data.

 

[Storeman]

Can you use virtualisation? Run something like Virtual Box on the Mac, setup and install a Windows based virtual machine on it and then you can run the required Windows software within the Mac OS

 

[Jim t]

Farm wizard doesn't seem to do arable, is that correct ?

 

[Cowabunga]

Farm wizard doesn't seem to do arable, is that correct ?

It would be a pity if it didn't. I only use it for dairy herd management and it is very good indeed.
It is affiliated somehow to Orchid Data.
I believe it is owned by Westminster Estates and the Duke thereof. Who also owns Cogent breeding of course.

 

[Woody]

http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion.html