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Windows Emulators for the Mac

10/19/14       
cabmaker

I run my company with Apple iMacs & the latest operating systems. My computers have 3TB hard drives and 32 GB of ram.

I would like to add a windows emulator to take advantage of some of the panel optimizers that are available. Specifically I am interested in "Cutlist Plus" though will also review others. I want to be able to export data from a filemaker database directly to the optimizer programs.

I am vaguely familiar with BootCamp & Parallels. I plan to first select the optimizer software and ask those vendors which emulator they recommend. In the meanwhile I thought I should ask here to see if I am overlooking anything. Are there other emulators to consider? Does anybody have any thoughts about either of those emulators?

10/20/14       #2: Windows Emulators for the Mac ...
Rich Kuban Member

The key advantage to using Parallels Desktop over Bootcamp is the ability to use both operating systems at the same time. Bootcamp requires you to boot from one to the other.

I use Parallels on 15" and 17" MacBook Pro with only 8 & 16 Gb of RAM to run KCD and CutList Plus. The only issue is when I run apps on the Mac side concurrently that use a large amount of RAM such as Photoshop. CutList Plus would be a breeze since it requires little RAM or storage.

You can set up your Parallels virtual Windows machine to easily bring files in from the Mac. I regularly create PDFs in Windows OS and just drag the files into Mac folders. It creates copies and I have to delete the Window versions afterwards. The only caveat is to use file names that work in both operating systems.

You will find the software companies will tell you they do not have Mac versions, and they do not support their software on Macs. My experience is they do not understand virtualization nor do they want to spend time on issues that are due to the virtualization software. If it runs on Windows you can run it in a virtual machine. You will need to depend on the virtualization software support to resolve your issues. I have learned not to mention Mac or the virtualization software when seeking support.

I do receive excellent support from CutList Plus on questions and issues relating to their software.

10/20/14       #3: Windows Emulators for the Mac ...
cabmaker

Thanks for the detailed response, Rich.

10/21/14       #4: Windows Emulators for the Mac ...
Rich Kuban Member

You are welcome!

12/26/14       #5: Windows Emulators for the Mac ...
RSI

I agree with Rich as I am running parallels on a macbookpro as well.
I use cabinet vision perfectly fine, AutoCad too.
Like Rich said, just don't mention the Mac when calling support and you'll be fine.

Overall, works great if you asked me.

12/26/14       #6: Windows Emulators for the Mac ...
cabmaker

Thanks RSI.

I ended up getting Parallels V10, running it on an iMac OSX 10.9.5 with Windows 8.1.

It's pretty seamless between the two operating systems. I can run them simultaneously without noticing really when I am in one OS versus the other.

I have just started working with Cutlist Pro and was easily able to configure it to import CSV files from Filemaker database software. I haven't spent enough time with Cutlist yet to learn all the nuances but am very impressed so far.

I am, however, experiencing one anomalous behavior that needs to be chased down. For some reason when entering numeric data into Cutlist Pro I can only use the integer keys at the top of my keyboard. The ten-key pad at right side of keyboard has no influence at all.

I don't know if this is a Windows problem or a Parallels problem. This the only windows software I have so cannot test for that.


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