Family Search PAF 5

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Family Search PAF 5

Of several dozen genealogical software applications I have used in the past, the absolute best one has been Family Search PAF-5 (Personal Ancestry File, version 5.0). Genealogy is important to me because I am a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and hope to soon join the Society of the War of 1812.

Now that I have converted to iMac, I am unable to get this PAF-5 application to work on my iMac. I have heard that it is possible to run a Windows application on an Apple computer, but I can't get this to run. I do have the Apple version of Family Tree Maker, and I do use it. However, I seriously want to still access PAF-5, because it is the best.

How can I change my iMac so that I can run this non-Apple application? I've searched for it in the Apple Store and found hints of potential updates making it possible, but I have not been able to locate any such changes.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7), A past PC application fails

Posted on May 7, 2011 7:27 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,494 points

May 7, 2011 8:09 AM in response to budmarks

Kappy put together a pretty good explanation about running Windows on a Mac. However before you do anything you need to find out what version of MS Windows the software runs on. You can also contact the manufacturer and see if they make a OS X version PAF-5. Here is a link to Kappy's post:

Kappy's explanation you will find multiple alternatives for running MS Windows on a Mac and reasons for each.

If for some reason you don't want to pay for the correct software then you can try free solutions however remember you're on your own with no support. CNET just wrote and article, you may find some help there at:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20059464-263.html

In short your alternatives are:

1. Run MS Windows using BootCamp on your Mac. Boot in either WIndows or OS X. The plus side Boot Camp comes with OS X so you already have it and only need to buy Windows.

2. Vituralizaiton: Great if you want to run apps like you have and you can run MS Windows and OS X side by side. The only downside is if you are gamer or do serious 3D work performance isn't as good as a dedicated WIndows box. You will also need to buy Windows.

For your system I'd recommend Virtualization.

Roger

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