starbird

Q: Is it safe to run windows on a mac?

I am in a Quickbooks class and the 'instructor' gave the most flippant answer when I asked about whether this or that worked on a mac.  It seems that Mac Quickbooks is extremely different than the PC version.  I would like to know if anyone has used it and is it safe.  I cannot afford to lose my data.  It also appears that I might have to do this to run the PC version because it's about 5 years ahead of the PC version of Quickbooks.

 

Mac Mini currently since my Mac Pro is on the way out.

 

Thanks.

Posted on Oct 19, 2014 6:55 PM

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Q: Is it safe to run windows on a mac?

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  • by lllaass,Helpful

    lllaass lllaass Oct 20, 2014 1:35 AM in response to starbird
    Level 10 (190,258 points)
    Apple Watch
    Oct 20, 2014 1:35 AM in response to starbird

    many users run Windows on a Mac. Either by using Apple's Boot Camp or as a virtual machine use a program like the free Virtual Box. You have to purchase Windows desperately.

    You should also have an antivirus on Windows.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 20, 2014 2:48 AM in response to starbird
    Level 9 (51,151 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 20, 2014 2:48 AM in response to starbird

    There is a Mac version of Quickbooks, it is generally regarded as poor in comparison with the Windows version, and Intuit's support for Macs is hopeless.

  • by tbirdvet,

    tbirdvet tbirdvet Oct 20, 2014 4:24 AM in response to starbird
    Level 4 (3,018 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 20, 2014 4:24 AM in response to starbird

    I run Windows 7 on my Mac using Parallels and no issues.  Just be sure to install virus protection like on any Windows PC.

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:36 AM in response to tbirdvet
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:36 AM in response to tbirdvet

    Thank you for this information.  It still worries me to run it.  I have a very old PC lap top that was given to me... I wonder if it can even run the program instead of my mac? 

     

    Are you an avian vet?  My life is all about parrots and I have accompany that makes physical foraging and enrichment toys for them especially my flagship item the Get a Grip climbing net.  Would love to talk.  http://www.eStarBird.com

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:47 AM in response to tbirdvet
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:47 AM in response to tbirdvet

    Thank you for the info on this conundrum. The viruses worry me.

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:38 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:38 AM in response to Csound1

    Thank you.  I have Quickbooks on my mac, but after being in the class for only one session I see that they both are very different with the PC being much more easier.  It's too bad that they put all their effort into the PC version.

  • by Phil0124,Helpful

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Oct 20, 2014 8:42 AM in response to starbird
    Level 7 (27,754 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 20, 2014 8:42 AM in response to starbird

    The Windows installation will be separate from the Mac installation in any instance. If something was to happen to the Windows installation due to virus or the like, the Mac would be untouched as the Windows installation would be basically sandboxed away from Osx.   Also Windows Viruses cannot affect Macs. They simply cannot run on Macs due to the difference in operating system architecture.

     

    Whether your old laptop can run Quickbooks is unknown. You would need to ascertain the specs of the laptop and compare them with the system requirements for the Quickbooks version you wish to install.

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:42 AM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:42 AM in response to lllaass

    Thank you for the info on this conundrum. The viruses worry me, but I might have to do it anyway.  Or, since my needs are small, maybe I can make the Mac version work for me.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 20, 2014 8:44 AM in response to starbird
    Level 9 (51,151 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 20, 2014 8:44 AM in response to starbird

    starbird wrote:

     

    Thank you for the info on this conundrum. The viruses worry me, but I might have to do it anyway.  Or, since my needs are small, maybe I can make the Mac version work for me.

    Do you use any outside accounting service (year end closing etc)

     

    If you do you should check with them first. Many will not accept Quickbooks Mac files.

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:45 AM in response to Phil0124
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:45 AM in response to Phil0124

    I appreciate your reply. I wasn't sure about the viruses affecting my Mac.  Since it's the PC version I'm learning and since the PC viruses cannot affect my Mac operating system, maybe the thing to do is bite the bullet and get the PC version and run Windows.  Sigh...

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:48 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:48 AM in response to Csound1

    I have an accountant who does my taxes... I will ask him. Thanks for the heads up.

  • by starbird,

    starbird starbird Oct 20, 2014 8:49 AM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 20, 2014 8:49 AM in response to lllaass

    What is Boot Camp and what is a virtual machine?  I am not familiar with either term.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Oct 20, 2014 9:00 AM in response to starbird
    Level 7 (27,754 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 20, 2014 9:00 AM in response to starbird

    Bootcamp

    Boot Camp 5.1: Frequently asked questions

    Boot Camp is software included with OS X so you can run compatible versions of Microsoft Windows on an Intel-based Mac.


    This lets you install a complete Windows machine in your Mac and boot into it.  While in Windows the OSx side of the Mac is not accessible. You need to restart the computer and choose to boot into Osx to get back.


    A Virtual Machine is pretty much as it sounds, it creates a virtual interpretation of a computer on your OSx installation and runs Windows in a "Window" on your Mac desktop. This Virtual computer shares your Mac's RAM and Processor.  MacOsx remains active and usable, and The Windows Installation can be minimized and maximized like any application.


    For both scenarios you need a valid Windows setup DVD or CD and a license Key. Usually found with the Windows Install Media. OR stickered on Windows Computers that come pre-installed with a Windows version.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 20, 2014 9:04 AM in response to starbird
    Level 9 (51,151 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 20, 2014 9:04 AM in response to starbird

    From personal experience:

     

    Don't do this, buy a cheap PC, use it to run Windows software ($300 inc Windows) and Microsoft RDC (free) to be able to use it straight from your Mac. You won't enjoy QBW in a virtual machine, and a business has no business messing with the complications of Windows in Boot Camp. You probably don't need the time and risk involved with setting it up either.

     

    This is business, not computing.

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