CNET Editors' review
Those who recently switched from Windows to Mac may have a collection of software that they can no longer use. For those unable or unwilling to purchase a separate Windows operating system license, CrossOver for Mac will run a limited number of popular applications well.
CrossOver for Mac is available as a free trial with a 14-day use limit, and the full version may be purchased for $20. The program downloads and installs quickly and there is access to technical support via e-mail, the responsiveness of which was not tested. The program did not have any instructions easily accessible, which would have been welcome in light of the interface. Fortunately, the main menu is fairly user-friendly and asks whether it needs to install a program or run an existing one. The application is not intended to work with all Windows programs, which would require a full OS installation via Boot Camp or Parallels. The program's documentation lists which programs it is designed to run well; those who need programs not listed should look elsewhere. Using a test disc of Office '03, the program immediately recognized the installation disc and began to load the program. It ran as intended with no noticeable glitches or lost features.
While CrossOver for Mac works well for running some older Windows applications, those seeking to run complex games or several programs should seek a full Windows OS installation.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of CrossOver for Mac 12.1.2.
Publisher's Description
From CodeWeavers:
CrossOver allows you to install many popular Windows applications on your Mac. Your applications integrate seamlessly in OS X; just click and run. No rebooting, no switching to a virtual machine, and no Windows Operating System license required!
CrossOver is capable of running a range of Windows software. To see if your favorite application is supported, please check our CrossOver Compatibility Center, or search for them using the search box at the top of this page.
What's new in this version: CrossOver now supports Quicken 2014
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 37 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"terrific product"
Version: CrossOver 12.2.1
Pros
Great to be able to run old games from years ago and purchase games unavailable for mac to run on the apple laptop. It is a great price and there is a free trial so you can see for yourself that it will work. If you have an issue or question there are always guys there to return your emails very quickly, and they are kind and knowledgeable.
Cons
Of course it dosnt work for every windows game and app and it would have been nice to receive a copy of instructions and an explanation of exactly how everything was working, but then again, I never asked, it just worked.
Summary
Great product for a great price.
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"If only this were user friendly. :("
Version: CrossOver 12.1.1
Pros
Since the path to get it working is more than what I'd expect, I can't really think of anything positive.
Cons
It's complicated, and not in a relationship status on Facebook sort of way - it's just compllicated.
Summary
CodeWeavers: Keep working at it! Make it easy to get up and running, and retain the features that eliminate the need to buy Windows or set this up on a separate partition and reboot... Once it's all super easy, I'll be totally on board.
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"did not work for what i needed it too."
Version: CrossOver 11.3.0
Pros
The customer service did answer back when I sent an email
Cons
Kept freezing up and then I needed to buy an update. Not worth the money
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"It works, but how well is the question."
Version: CrossOver 11.2.2
Pros
Installs easily on Mountain Lion. Checked for updates. I downloaded it because of the Halloween Free special.
Cons
Tried IE 7 and it works OK but smooth fonts don't work and some plugin compatibility is broken.
Summary
The real problem with Crossover is not on the side that runs in OS X. Its the Windows apps that run in Crossover. The newer the version of the App the more issues it has running. Its a toss up if it will run or not. I only tried IE 7 because it was rated the most stable. You can run up to IE 8 or as low as IE 6. But IE 9 is apparently not working. That is the whole problem. If you cannot run the latest version what good is Crossover? If you really need just one Windows app and you find it does rate well with Crossover. Its probably cheaper then running a virtual machine and buying Windows. But in my opinion its not good enough to recomend.
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"Does what is intended to do"
Version: CrossOver 10.2
Pros
Runs the small handful of Windows software I needed this for. It does what it is advertised to do.
Cons
Installation of applications is not always simple or user-friendly
Summary
This is not a full Windows implementation. It is a basic framework with on-demand bits of Windows needed to run the software listed (and a few more that are not listed). For those who download/purchase this thinking it is a replacement for a full install of Windows are not reading the description of the software. It is specifically for those who DO NOT need or desire a full Windows OS for those of us with limited Windows software needs.
Crossover Mac (I purchased the "Pro" version) fulfills all my needs. If I was a "gamer" or had a vast Windows-based library of software titles, then I wouldn't have bought Crossover - I would have a full Win install. It really blows my mind that people would mark this software down because it is NOT a full Windows implementation - this software does EXACTLY what it advertises and what is described. In my book, software that does exactly what the developer says it does (and the same-said developer keeps the software updated), then it gets 5 stars. -
"runs some windows software but not all of them!"
Version: CrossOver 8.0.3
Pros
i like how it runs some windows programs.
Cons
it only runs a limited amount of windows programs without having glitches.
Summary
i would not recommend this program if u are a gamer.
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"Needs to support more apps"
Version: CrossOver 8.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
CrossOver is potentially a very useful program. I used it quite extensively early in my return to Macs from the Dark Side this year (long story - dead G5, cheap Win laptops ...), and when it worked it worked almost seamlessly.
The setup process isn't too onerous, although there is some room for confusion about what's going on, particularly among novice users.
The greatest flaw is not in performance so much as capability. The major reason I wanted to use crossover was for MS Office, particularly Access. And guess what ...
I've moved over to Parallels Desktop running Win7 64, which is not without its hiccups but a much more useful alternative for me.
Having said that, if your needs aren't as great as mine, and if you're happy with the list of compatible software on the CrossOver site, I'd recommend it as an economical alternative to going out and buying a "cheap" PC (remembering always that you tend to get what you pay for - hence I'm back on a MacBook Pro). -
"Very good for games"
Version: CrossOver 6.2.1
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I bought this to play Team Fortress 2 on my mac pro and it's been great. -
"3 crashes and it's coming off"
Version: CrossOver 6.2.1
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Tried the trial and it's crashed my Mac mini three times and you know what three times a charm means. I also noticed it was a major, major memory hog (real and virtual). I'm on Leopard 10.5.1, and all I was running was Crossover with an approved app from their list. Not sure where the other posters are getting their 5 stars from other than they may be POOPer (posters of own product) reviewers. -
"It Works for Me"
Version: CrossOver 6.2.1
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Installed Crossover onto a MacBook Pro (Leopard operating system) and opened Ultra Fractal, an art graphics program that only runs on a PC. It worked perfectly even thought this program is not on the approved list. I used to boot into Windows with Bootcamp, but no more. Thanks for moving me farther away from the PC camp.
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