Apple Mac OS X Consultants: Expertise for Running Windows Apps on Mac
Organizations often rely on Windows to host company-wide or line-of-business applications. For businesses with a mix of Mac and Windows desktops, there are two generic solutions for running Windows-only software on a Mac: a remote terminal connection or local emulation of a Windows PC. Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac allows you to connect a Mac to a remote Windows-powered computer to run Windows applications and share network resources. Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac is included in Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac and features significant improvements over previous versions. Virtual PC for Mac emulates Windows on a Mac computer so you can run Windows applications locally. Virtual PC for Mac was included in advanced additions of Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac but is not included in the latest versions of Office for Mac.
Progent's Mac consultants can help you integrate either or both these solutions for running Windows applications on your Macs and can also help you evaluate and configure third-party solutions for Windows PC emulation.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac allows you to connect your Mac to a Windows-based computer to run Windows applications, access files, and share network resources. You can copy files between your Mac and your Windows-based computer and print from Windows programs to any printers connected to your Mac.
Terminal emulation requires relatively little processing power from the client Mac and therefore in most situations offers higher performance than processor emulation. To connect to a Windows-based computer, you need network access and permissions to connect to the computer, and the computer must be running Terminal Services or Remote Desktop Services. Remote Desktop for Mac is available as a free download and is compatible with Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Professional, and Windows 2000 Server.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2 offers improved features that include:
A user interface and menu bar that makes the connection window easier to use
Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0 for faster performance and Vista compatibility
Multiple session support for managing connection files to multiple computers
Automatic reconnection for restarting a remote session if you lose the network connection
Screen sizing options for running the remote sessions in full-screen mode or in a in a resizable window
Mac printing support for printing Windows documents on a Mac-attached printer
Network Level Authentication for enhanced security when attaching to Windows Vista PCs
Improved screen resolution to support wide-screen displays
Faster login options for improved productivity
Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Virtual PC for Mac emulates an Intel/AMD-type processor and turns a Mac into a virtual Windows machine that allows you to access PC software, files, and network appliances. Processor emulation is CPU intensive on the client Mac and trades off some performance for convenience, flexibility, and a richer set of features. Virtual PC 7 is compatible with the Mac G5 processor and Mac OS X version 10.3 (Panther) and was included with the Professional Edition of Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac.
Key features of Virtual PC 7 for Mac include:
Shared Folders and Removable Media enables folder and media sharing between Windows and Mac and allows saving files in a folder on a Mac and retrieving them from within Windows
Shared Mac and PC Peripherals allows access to a variety of PC and Mac peripherals including printers and external drives and more, even ones designed exclusively to be used with a PC
Cross-platform Cut and Paste allows Virtual PC 7 and a Mac to share the same clipboard for copying and pasting between Windows and Mac programs
A Fast Save feature allows users to shut down a virtual PC in one step and resume from that point
Zero Configuration Printing for Panther users (Mac OS X version 10.3) eliminates the need to download special printer drivers. It is possible to click Print and utilize the same printing functionality and drivers used by the Mac OS.
How Progent's Can Help You Run Windows Applications on Macs
Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants and Mac experts can help you choose and configure appropriate software to enable your Mac users to run Windows applications. In addition, Progent can help you integrate your Macs into your network infrastructure to enhance stability, performance, and security and to optimize productivity. Progent can also provide Mac and Exchange Server consulting and Mac training.
If you are looking for a Macintosh consulting expert, call Progent at 800-993-9400 or send email to apple-help@progent.com.
Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac allows you to connect your Mac to a Windows-based computer to run Windows applications, access files, and share network resources. You can copy files between your Mac and your Windows-based computer and print from Windows programs to any printers connected to your Mac.
Virtual PC for Mac emulates an Intel/AMD-type processor and turns a Mac into a virtual Windows machine that allows you to access PC software, files, and network appliances. Processor emulation is CPU intensive on the client Mac and trades off some performance for convenience, flexibility, and a richer set of features. Virtual PC 7 is compatible with the Mac G5 processor and Mac OS X version 10.3 (Panther) and was included with the Professional Edition of 
