To run programs that only support Windows without installing Windows systems or using virtual machines on a Mac, you can use the following three methods: 1. Use Wine or CrossOver: Wine is the open source compatibility layer, CrossOver is its commercial version, which supports more applications and is suitable for users who do not want to toss the command line; 2. Use remote desktop to connect to Windows computers: Remotely control Windows devices through tools such as Microsoft Remote Desktop, which requires low performance requirements but requires network stability; 3. Try web versions or alternative software: Search for online versions or cross-platform alternatives of software, such as Office Online, Web IDE, etc., which can sometimes directly solve the problem.

Sometimes you only have a Mac on hand, but you need to run a program that only supports Windows. If you don’t want to install a Windows system or don’t want to mess with a virtual machine, there are actually several practical methods to achieve this requirement.

1. Use Wine or CrossOver

Wine is an open source compatibility layer that can directly run some Windows applications on macOS without installing a full Windows system. CrossOver is a commercial version based on Wine, with a more friendly interface and more supported applications.

Operation suggestions:

• After installing CrossOver, open the program, select "Install Windows Software", and search for the program you want to run.
• If your software is marked in green or yellow in CrossOver's application database, you can basically run.
• Note that some programs may need to manually configure some settings, such as font rendering, dependency libraries, etc.

CrossOver provides a relatively fool-like operation process suitable for users who do not want to toss the command line.

2. Use Remote Desktop to connect to Windows PC

If you have another computer or cloud server with Windows installed, you can control it through the Remote Desktop tool and use Windows programs on your Mac as if it is running locally.

Recommended tools:

• Microsoft Remote Desktop (Apple App Store can be downloaded)
• Chrome RDP plugin (for temporary quick access)

How to operate:

• Enable Remote Desktop on Windows (Settings > System > Remote Desktop)
• Enter the destination IP address, username, and password on your Mac
• After connection, it can operate in full screen just like using it locally.

This method requires low performance requirements. The Mac itself does not require any additional steps to install Windows, but requires network stability.

3. Try web version or alternative software

Some software that was originally exclusive to Windows are now available in web or cross-platform versions. For example, Office and Photoshop have online versions, and many development tools even support Web IDE.

You can find an alternative like this:

• Google searches for "[Software Name] online" or "[Software Name] for Mac"
• Check whether the official website provides a browser version
• Using analogy software, such as Parallels Access (not a virtual machine) you can also run Windows programs remotely

Sometimes, if you change your mind, the problem will be solved.

Basically, there are these ways to run Windows programs on a Mac without installing Windows. Each method has different applicable scenarios, just choose the most suitable one according to your specific needs.

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