How can I run TntMPD on my Mac?
A better question might be "How
can I run Windows on my Mac?".
TntMPD is built for Windows, and it
requires Windows 2000 or newer.
The thought of developing a Mac-specific
version of TntMPD has been considered,
and there are some steps being taken
internally to move TntMPD towards being
more cross-platform friendly. But
the current reality is that it will
probably be many years until anything is
available.
Fortunately there are many good options for running Windows on
your Mac now. A few years ago Apple began using the Intel chip
for Macs which is the same chip used by Windows computers.
This shift by Apple has made it much easier and faster to run
Windows on your Mac.
The different options can be roughly broken down to 4
categories:
- Virtualization (Parallels,
VMware, VirtualBox).
- Dual boot (Boot Camp).
- Emulation (Virtual PC).
- Other (CrossOver, WINE).
Virtualization (Parallels, VMware, VirtualBox)
These products allow you to simultaneously run Windows side by side
with your Mac OS. Because these products don't have to
emulate the Intel CPU, they run Windows very fast at nearly full
native speed. Parallels and VMware even provide options to
make the programs running in Windows to appear as if they are
Mac programs, hiding much of the Windows interface.
Take note:
-
This option requires a Mac with the
Intel chip.
- You still need to purchase and install a full license
of Windows.
- Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home are more than
sufficient for running TntMPD.
- Some work is being done (in the "labs") specific to
the Parallels product that might help TntMPD better integrate with the
Mac environment.
Parallels (Recommended by
TntWare!)
VMware
VirtualBox
Dual Boot (Boot Camp)
Boot Camp allows you to install Windows on its own partition
on your hard drive. Unlike virtualization you can not run
Windows side by side with your Mac OS. Instead, you need
to restart your computer into Windows mode. Take note:
-
This option requires a Mac with the
Intel chip.
- You still need to purchase and install a full license
of Windows.
- Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home are more than
sufficient for running TntMPD.
Boot Camp
Emulation (Virtual PC)
On older Macintosh computers, you might be able to install
Virtual PC. Although Virtual PC will allow you to run
TntMPD, many users have reported this to be a painfully slow
experience. This slowness is because older Macintosh
computers are not based on the Intel CPU, this it must be
emulated.
- You still need to purchase and install a full license
of Windows.
- Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home are more than
sufficient for running TntMPD.
Virtual PC
Other (CrossOver, WINE)
CrossOver is a commercial variant of WINE. WINE is an
open source project with the goal of cloning Windows
functionality without requiring Windows. A few have
reported being able to successfully install and run TntMPD using
these technologies. But most of the feedback I have
received has been that running TntMPD on these technologies is
problematic. If you are feeling brave and would like to
experiment with these products by all means do so. But be
aware that TntWare does not officially support this platform.
Feel free to share your experiences or seek advice from others
on this topic at the "tntmpd.beta-testers.discussion"
forum at:
http://webboard.ccci.org:8080/~tnt/
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