Companies often rely on applications designed to run solely on Windows. For companies with a mix of Apple Mac and Windows desktops, there are two basic alternatives for running Windows-dependent applications on macOS and OS X: remote control of a physical Windows computer or local simulation of a Windows operating system on a Mac computer. Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection for Mac allows you to connect a Mac to a remote Microsoft Windows-powered system to run Microsoft Windows programs and access network resources. Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac is included in Microsoft Office for Mac and offers significant enhancements over older versions. Microsoft's Virtual PC for Mac emulates Microsoft Windows on a Mac system so you are able to run Windows programs locally. Microsoft's Virtual PC for Apple Mac was available in high-end versions of Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac but is not included in the current versions of Office for Mac. VMware Fusion allows you to run Windows as well as most other operating systems on a Mac.

Progent's macOS and OS X consultants can help you manage and support these products for running Microsoft Windows applications on your Apple Macs and can also assist you to evaluate and configure third-party solutions for Microsoft Windows platform emulation.

Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac
Support Services for Remote Desktop Connection for MacMicrosoft's Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac enables you to attach your Mac to a Microsoft Windows-based system to execute Windows applications, access files, and utilize system resources. You can copy documents between your Mac and your Windows-based system and print from Microsoft Windows programs to any printers attached to your Mac.

Desktop simulation requires relatively modest CPU utilization from the client Apple Mac and therefore in most situations provides better performance than CPU emulation. To connect to a Windows-based computer, you must have network connectivity and authorization to connect to the computer. The Windows machine must be running either Terminal Services or Remote Desktop. Remote Desktop Connection for Mac is available as a free download or as part of Office for Mac 2011 and works with Windows Server 2008, 2003, Windows 7 and Windows XP Professional, and Microsoft Windows 2000.

MS Remote Desktop Connection for Mac 2 provides enhanced capabilities including:

  • A GUI environment and menu bar that makes the attachment function easier to operate
  • Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0 for better throughput and Windows Vista and Windows 7 connectivity
  • Multiple session support for handling connections with a number of remote computers
  • Automatic reconnection for restarting a session if you drop the network connection
  • Session Window sizing options for executing the remote session as a full screen or in an adjustable window
  • Mac printing compatibility (NLA) for printing Microsoft Windows documents on an Apple Mac printer
  • Network Level Authentication for improved security when attaching to Vista and Windows 7 computers
  • Improved screen resolution to accommodate wide-screen displays
  • Streamlined login procedures for enhanced efficiency

Virtual PC for Mac
Virtual PC for Apple Mac HelpVirtual PC for Apple Mac emulates an Intel/AMD-type CPU and converts a Mac into the equivalent of Windows computer that permits you to utilize Windows programs, documents, and network appliances. CPU emulation is processor intensive on the client Mac and trades off some speed for convenience, flexibility, and a more complete array of features. Virtual PC 7 for Mac is compatible with the Apple Mac G5 processor and Mac OS X version 10.3 (Panther) and was provided with the Professional Edition of Microsoft Office 2004 for Apple Mac.

Important benefits of Microsoft's Virtual PC version 7 include:

  • Shared Folders and Removable Storage allows folder and removable media exchange between Windows and Apple Mac programs and allows saving files in a folder on a Mac and accessing them from within Microsoft Windows
  • Access to Mac and Windows PC Appliances allows connect to to an assortment of Microsoft Windows PC and Apple Mac appliances including printers and external disks, even ones designed specifically to be used with a Microsoft Windows computer
  • Multi-platform Copy and Paste allows Virtual PC version 7 and an Apple Mac program to share the same clipboard for copying and pasting between Microsoft Windows and Mac platforms
  • A Fast Save capability allows you to shut down a virtual PC in one step and resume from that position
  • No Set-up Printing for Panther users (Mac OS X version 10.3) eliminates the need to download specific printer drivers. You can click Print and utilize the same printing functionality and drivers utilized by the Mac OS.
How Progent's macOS and OS X Consultants Can Assist You to Run Windows Software on Macs
Progent's Microsoft-qualified engineers and Mac experts can assist you to select and deploy appropriate software to enable your Apple Mac users to run Microsoft Windows applications. Also, Progent can help your organization to integrate your Apple Macs seamlessly into your network infrastructure to improve stability, throughput, and security and to optimize business value. Progent can in addition provide Apple Mac and Microsoft Exchange Help and Mac Training.

Get in Touch with Progent to Find Help for Running Microsoft Windows Programs on Macs
If your company is looking for an Mac technology consultant, call Progent at 800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.

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