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Level 1

7 points

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

Best reply

lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

Posted on Oct 20, 2014 1:35 AM

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.

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27 replies

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Oct 20, 2014 9:57 AM in response to starbird

I went to best buy and bought a cheap Dell laptop, it was less than $300 (inc Windows). It was one of many choices, I chose it because it would do what I needed (run Quickbooks and Excel) and it had less stickers than the others.

I never use it as a laptop, I just log in to it from my Mac desktop.

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 9:57 AM in response to Csound1

thank you. My other reply is not posting and 'like' is not working now.

Do you have a recommendation for a cheap PC? I know I do not like HP products.

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 10:00 AM in response to Csound1

How do you log into a PC from a Mac desktop?

Oct 20, 2014 10:03 AM in response to starbird

Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac

https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Oct 20, 2014 10:09 AM in response to starbird

As Phil said Microsoft RDC will do it for you.

The Windows box will appear in a Window on the Mac screen (it can be expanded to full screen) or you can use it directly on the PC.

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 10:27 AM in response to Csound1

You guys are the best. I cannot thank you enough.

So a Dell it will be. I'm pretty sure this old clunker I have would not run any of this stuff. Is a used Dell from ebay a possibility?

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Oct 20, 2014 10:30 AM in response to starbird

Probably, just be careful that you can return it if it is not 'as described'

For QBW you'll need a minimum of 4GB, which should be really easy to find. Dell often sell last years cheap business machines into the Best Buy etc marketplace. You can usually tell them because they are not festooned with stickers and filled with useless utilities. If you can find one with Win7 take it, it will reduce the UI shock of 8 (unless you now 8 already)

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 12:07 PM in response to Csound1

So if I may summarize. Windows 7 would be ok. Look at them at Best Buy without stickers. Buy or ask if QB will change my Mac version to a Windows version and get the desktop start app.

Or, try to make the best of it with the Mac version. I called my financial guy who does my taxes and he doesn't use QB at all.

Thank you for all the wonderful information and everyone's time to send it to me.

Csound1

Level 9

59,985 points

Oct 20, 2014 12:14 PM in response to starbird

If you wish to try the Mac version go ahead, it's simpler than running the Windows version on a Mac 🙂

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 12:15 PM in response to Csound1

I will give it a go. When I first looked at it after class I saw how different they really are.

Thank you again.

lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

Oct 20, 2014 12:37 PM in response to starbird

Regarding Win 7 note:

MicrosoftMSFT +0.95% has formally announced that mainstream support for Windows 7 will end on 13 January 2015 – just 5 months away.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/10/microsoft-windows-7-mainstrea m-support/

starbird Author

Level 1

7 points

Oct 20, 2014 12:40 PM in response to lllaass

Nothing is easy is it....

Thank you for that tie bit of rather critical information...

Is it safe to run windows on a mac?