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 TntMPD running on CrossOver or WINE. Feel free to share your experiences or seek advice from others on this topic at the "Beta Testers" group at: http://www.tntware.com/tntmpd/groups/beta_testers/default.aspx