What is an alternative to Bootcamp for Mac?

You might try Parallels to run Windows 11 on there. It looks like there is a page on the Sage software site about running their software under Parallels + Windows on an Apple Silicon device. See: https://communityhub.sage.com/ca/sage_50/b/sage_50_ca_supporthub_blog/posts/sage-50-ca-setup-on-a-m1-macbook-pro-using-parallels-to-run-windows-11

Hi,

You could run Windows OS on virtual machine software like VM Fusion, Parallels Desktop or free Virtual Box which is available from Oracle site, though you need to get ARM based Windows.

Another way to run Windows on ARM based Mac is Microsoft’s Windows 365 service. This gives you access to a Cloud PC, a kind of virtual machine up in the cloud that allows you to run Windows on any Mac or other device that has a fast Internet connection.

I don't think it matters. Microsoft has a page about this: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/options-for-using-windows-11-with-mac-computers-with-apple-m1-m2-and-m3-chips-cd15fd62-9b34-4b78-b0bc-121baa3c568c

Sage offers a cloud-based accounting software solution, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, that works for both Mac and PC users alike. This software includes automated accounts receivable software that saves time, reduces errors, and gets you paid on time to increase cash flow.

from:

https://www.sage.com/en-us/accounting-software/mac-compatible/#products

ask your Instructor whether the online version would suffice, or it MUST be a windows version.

if you need Windows, consider buying or borrowing a Windows system from your department or your college IT services. after all, the idea is to get expertise in Accounting software, not in becoming an advanced IT expert.

I think Parallels has a trial version, but it's only for a short period of time. There may be free alternatives to Parallels, but they're a little more involved to get working. As for how hard it might be, they should have videos and tutorials on how to install it.

Sorry if this question sound silly. What is ARM windows? How is it different from regular windows?

The standard (mainstream...for 90% of users) version of Windows is written to operate on Intel processors. And that was fine when Apple was using Intel processors in their Macs. When Apple changed to Apple Silicon processors, those are based on ARM processors, and software designed for Intel processors won't run on ARM processors. Microsoft knows this, and therefore developed a version of Windows for ARM processors. But there's a catch to this, too. Not all Windows software applications will run on the ARM version of Windows. So you really have to look closely at Windows software application specs to ensure they're compatible with Windows for ARM.