So you want to use ParaPlan on your Mac? We understand, we all use Macs as well. However, ParaPlan uses Microsoft ClickOnce, which runs on Windows. So, here are a few ways to run Windows on your Mac computer. Note that we have at some point used all these options so we can provide further instructions if need be. Also, all these options except the Amazon Workspaces require a valid Windows license. These can be purchased individually, through volume deals. In some cases, you can reuse a license from a computer that is no longer in use.


Options


Boot Camp - Duel booting into Windows


This is the easiest way to accomplish running ParaPlan on a Mac. Once you've installed Windows on your Mac, simply hold the Option key on your keyboard to instruct the computer to boot into OS X or Windows. At this point, your computer is only running Windows. This is the best scenario if your Mac has less then 4 GB of RAM or a low-powered CPU.


Advantages:

  • Easiest
  • Uses all available computer resources 
  • Free with OS X and built by Apple

Disadvantages:
  • No access to OS X apps

Virtual Machine with VirtualBox by Oracle

This is the most technically advanced option, but also has the most fine-grain controls of your configuration. Download and install VirtualBox here. When running, it will just another app running on your Mac, allowing for full use of other OS X apps. Many of the configurations require use of the command line and a general in-depth knowledge of both OS X and Windows. Also updates are frequent and are often multi-steps with required reboots. If you do not already have a version of Windows that can be used (most people have one available), you'll need to buy that as well. 

Advantages:
  • Free
  • Access to OS X apps at the same time
  • Oracle is a name that you can count on
  • Lots of configuration options

Disadvantages:
  • Updates are cumbersome
  • Options are confusing
  • Shares computer resources


Virtual Machine with Parallels

This is the de facto virtual PC option. Purchase it here. Like VirtualBox, it runs in the same desktop as your Mac software. The experience is smooth and the configuration is intuitive. As a bonus, you also get Parallels Access allowing access to your Mac and PC from your iPhone and iPad for a year. For remote desktop software, it's actually really well done. If you do not already have a version of Windows that can be used (most people have one available), you'll need to buy that as well. 

Advantages:
  • Easy to use
  • Access to OS X apps at the same time
  • Remote access
Disadvantages
  • $80 upfront cost
  • Shares computer resources


Cloud PC with Amazon Workspaces

This is a fully functional, fully managed PC in the cloud. Connect through an OS X app to your PC that is running on Amazon's servers. Once configured, you can connect to your workspace from any Mac or PC, or even iPad.

Advantages:
  • No configuration needed
  • No maintenance needed
  • Connect from anywhere
  • Does not use computers resources
  • No Windows license required
Disadvantages
  • Monthly cost, starting at $35/month
  • Internet connection required