Can you run Windows applications directly in MacOS X without installing Windows?

Using Apple's Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop for Mac, or VMWare Fusion it is possible to first install Windows, and in turn run Windows applications on Intel-based Macs.

However, as first mentioned on April 3, 2006, the Darwine open-source project "intends to port and develop WINE as well as other supporting tools that will allow Darwin and Mac OS X users to run Windows Applications, and to provide a Win32 API compatibility at application source code level." In other words, as the site summarizes, "Windows apps on Mac without Windows." The software is currently "not yet suited for mass distribution or general user use."

Since that time, Darwine has become a popular open-source project, and development continues. For additional information and progress updates, you may wish to review the project's FAQ.

On August 31, 2006, CodeWeavers, which bills itself as the "leading corporate backer of the WINE project", first released a beta version of CrossOver Mac, based on WINE. Since that time, the company has released additional beta versions each improving upon the last.

The 60 day free beta version of CrossOver Mac is available for download for the adventurous. CodeWeavers notes that "if you're not interested in experimental software, you should skip this and wait for notice of the production release."

CodeWeavers states that, when finished, the software program:

Will be the very best way to run your Windows applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.

This beta version will give you a taste of the promise of CrossOver, but should be considered an early test release - we intend to make substantial further improvements before we ship a production version.

A C|Net interview with CodeWeavers CEO Jeremy White prior to the initial release of the software, provides some additional insight into the program and the development process. The complete interview should be read in its entirety, but in particular, it reveals that because WINE is a "compatibility layer" rather than an emulator it does not work with all applications, and programmers have to work to make each program compatible individually. White is honest about both the potential and the limitations of the CrossOver Mac program and says "in theory, it's the holy grail. . . in practice, it's very promising and great when it works."

For more information about CrossOver Mac, please refer to the CrossOver Mac section of the Windows on Mac Q&A, in particular, you may be interested in reading:

• What is CrossOver Mac? How does CrossOver Mac compare to Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMWare Fusion?
• How much does CrossOver Mac cost? When will the final version be available?
• What applications are officially and unofficially supported by CrossOver Mac?