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Can I run Windows programs (.exe files) on a Macintosh?
While it is possible to open most Windows documents on a Macintosh, Windows programs will not run natively on the Macintosh platform. This is because the programs are written for a specific operating system and processor type.
The operating system, whether it is Windows or Mac OS X, uses a specific API, which is a set of instructions that programs can use while they are running. The problem is that Windows API functions are not recognized on a Macintosh. Furthermore, each application program must be compiled for a specific type of processor in order to run. This process of compiling the source code makes the program readable by the computer's processor. Historically, the architecture (or design) of the processors that PCs use has been different from the ones that Macs use. Therefore, programs had to be specifically written and compiled for the correct processor.
However, in 2006 Apple transitioned their entire line of Macintosh computers from PowerPCs to Intel processors, meaning they now use the same architecture as PCs. Windows programs will still not run natively on the Mac OS, but software like Apple Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop for Mac will allow you to run Windows on an Intel-based Mac. Then you can install and run Windows programs directly from Windows.
Sometimes software developers will modify certain parts of a Windows program's source code to make it work with the Mac OS API. Then they will compile it for the Mac's processor type (now referred to as a Universal Binary). If these steps are done correctly, the program will run on a Macintosh. This is called "porting" the software from the PC to the Mac or making it "crossplatform."
Below are three options for running Windows programs on the Mac.
The only way to run Windows programs on a PowerPC-based Macintosh is to use Windows emulation software. This software emulates a PC processor, which allows a native version of Windows, such as Windows XP, to run on older Macs. A popular Windows emulation program is Virtual PC.
Because Virtual PC is an only an emulator, you need to install the Windows operating system on top of the Virtual PC software in order to run Windows programs. Fortunately, Microsoft offers versions of Virtual PC that include Windows, such as Windows XP Professional or Home Edition.
Virtual PC has been around for many years and has evolved along with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It was originally developed by Connectix, which like many innovative software companies, was acquired by Microsoft in 2003. Since then, Microsoft has continued development of Virtual PC and released new versions of the software. However, Microsoft will not be developing new versions of Virtual PC now that Macs are shipping with Intel processors.
Beside the fact you have to purchase emulation software and a Windows operating system license, there is another downside of running Windows programs using Virtual PC. Because the software is emulated, many programs run significantly slower than they would on a Windows machine. While basic programs such as text editors and Web browsers may run relatively well, processor-intensive programs such as graphics editors and 3D games may run too slowly to be usable.
Fortunately, because Intel-based Macs do not require processor emulation, Windows programs can run at their native speed using Apple's Boot Camp software.
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