Best way to run open source/GNU programs on Mac

Hi folks,
I'm kind of new to Macs, coming from the linux/unix world. I'm working on reinstalling the OS on my macbook (after finding out the hard way that it itsn't prudent to use a case-sensitive file system on a Mac), and thought this would be a good time to ask if anyone has an opinion on the best way to run linux-y programs on a Mac. For instance, I find myself wanting to use "zim" and keep it synchronized with my linux computers, but I can't get it to install on my mac. I can see a few options:
1) run linux in a virtual machine, but this is a problem since I only have 4 GB of memory.
2) use mac ports, but most of the ports I tried in the past didn't work, and my questions to the community were ignored (I tried to be friendly, but perhaps I came across wrong...?)
3) use fink, but I gather it is out of date and not really used any more.
So, I'm curious what other people use if they want to use open source programs? Ideally I wouldn't have to compile each program myself, but maybe that is the best option?
Thanks.

I think Fink has install binaries (and if it has a ZIM port that works for you, what do you care if Fink is a bit out-of-date as a package manager?).
From my observations of MacPorts.com, it compiles the ported package on your system (so you need to have XCode (free from Mac App Store) installed on your system. If MacPorts has a binary option, I have not dug deep enough to find it (as I mostly use the minimum to get something I want installed).
The other option is to download the Open Source package and build it yourself. There are some that think this is the ONLY way to go about it (me I'm lazy and only do that for Vim which I desire specific options not always included in canned Vim packages).
If you want OpenZIM on your Mac and you only use it once in a while, then a virtual machine might be the way to go. However, if your use of OpenZIM is extensive, then a virtual machine can be a bit heavy weight, adn for that you might want to either find a working port or build it yourself.
Whatever you do, DO NOT replace a standard Mac OS X installed Unix side program with your own. Put your stuff in /usr/local/bin, or a personal local tree (Fink uses /sw/... and MacPorts uses /opt/local/...), then modify PATH in your shell initialization file. Replacing standard Mac OS X Unix programs may break Mac OS X maintenance scripts, GUI programs that get an assist from a Unix command, etc...
NOTE: Chances are you Mac can go up to at least 8GB of RAM, and if you look at Crucial.com you might find it will not cost you much at all (for example, the MacBook Pro I just got was upgraded from 4GB to 8GB for only $43). With 8GB of RAM you will not notice that you have a virtual machine locking down 2GB. Also I'm not telling you to spend money, just pointing out possible options should you find your need for OpenZIM demands the use of a virtual machine.
With respect to a case sensitive file syste, if you need one, then create a partition (or perhaps a disk image (.dmg) via Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility) for that purpose (an external disk is also an option). But as you have discovered Mac OS X and many of its GUI applications have assumptions based on a case-insensitive file system.

Similar Messages

I own CS4, upgraded to CS5, then joined CS6, CC... and now I installed CC14. Which will be the best way to delete or uninstall the programs I don't need keeping only CC14 without running into issues? I have an Alienware Area 51 PC running Windows 7.

I own CS4, upgraded to CS5, then joined CS6, CC... and now I installed CC14. Which will be the best way to delete or uninstall the programs I don't need keeping only CC14 without running into issues? I have an Alienware Area 51 PC running Windows 7.

Which will be the best way to delete or uninstall the programs I don't need keeping only CC14 without running into issues?
There is none. Whatever you do to get rid of the older versions will inevitably do damage to shared components and other stuff of the new versions as well. That's just how it is with this approach... Uninstall the older versions, run the cleaner tool then reinstall CC 2014.
Use the CC Cleaner Tool to solve installation problems | CC, CS3-CS6
Mylenium

What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac?

What is the best way to run .exe files on my mac? I need to run some updates for my john deere gps and the downloads i get can only be run on windows.

There are several options for running Windows software (*.exe files) on a Mac, depending what your program is, how often you use it, and your personal preferences.
One way that does not require Windows is an open source effort called WINE. Check out winehq.org. You may find that that's all you need for your programs. There is also a commercial effort that has grown from WINE, and you will find info about it on the site mentioned. These DO NOT require that you have and install Windows.
If you want to run sessions devoted only to Windows software, and want programs to run as fast as they do on a PC, the Apple's Bootcamp program is useful. With it you dedicate a partition on your hard disk to windows, and on startup choose to either boot into OS X or Windows. Each runs without any connection to the other. This requires you have a copy of the Windows software as well as the applications you want to run.
If you want to be able to easily exchange data between your Windows and Mac programs, and skip back and forth between the two, there are several emulators available that run on Mac OS X and create a Windows environment where many Windows programs can operate along side Mac programs. Parallels and VMwear are two comercial packages available for purchase and Virtual Box is an open source effort available for free. Google will find all three for you.
My only experience is with Virtual Box. It is slow and a bit clunky, but it is free and meets my needs for the very few "just got to have" windows programs I sometimes use.
Google is your friend on this and can provide a lot more, and better, information than I can.
Best of luck,
Ray

What is the best way to run windows on my mac?

What is the best way to run windows on my mac?
I have a particular program that i need to run, and it only runs on windows. I have a macbook pro

As Templeton noted, it depends and will at least be somewhat subjective.
There are basically three options out there. You can use a Windows emulator (Wine or the commercial version of it, Crossover Office), use Boot Camp to "dual boot" or use virtualization software (Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or VirtualBox). Each has its advantages or disadvantages.
The Windows emulators have the advantage of being the one option that doesn't need the purchase of a copy of Windows. Unlike Boot Camp, but like the virtualization options, this allows you to run Windows programs and OSX programs side by side. The big problem, though, is that it is the least compatible option--a lot of Windows software either has "issues" or will not function at all. The Crossover website has information on which programs are known to work and how well they are known to work.
Boot Camp is the option that Apple ships OSX with. You'll need a copy of Windows to install into the partition. You'll effectively divide your disk into two parts and have two machines. The major advantages are, first, you don't need to acquire separate software *AND* the Windows license. As well, it's the highest performance Windows system. What you have is truly a Windows machine. That's both the good and the bad--you aren't going to be able to use OSX software at the same time, and you have to reboot to get back to OSX. I've always thought it was best for someone who likes the Apple hardware and wants to use it for a Windows box--in that case Boot Camp is clearly a great solution.
Finally there's virtualization which seems to be the most popular way to handle Windows, especially if you need to run one vertical market package. It has the advantage of allowing you to use your OSX software at the same time, and the virtualization gives an extremely high level of compatibility. About the only thing that won't run is a virtualization package (and there's not a lot of reason to run that in a Windows VM). There is a performance hit compared to Boot Camp, but it's minimal for all but the most demanding applications (that being high end games).
It will chew up RAM on the OSX machine, but if you have at least 4 GB of RAM it will probably be manageable, especially if you only need to run one Windows program.
You will need both a virtualization program (there are three major ones) and purchase Windows. Two of three programs are commercial packages (Parallels and VMWare Fusion), while the other is an open source option (VirtualBox). Virtual Box has the advantage of being free, but it's by far the least polished of the group.
Which way is best? As was noted, it depends. I run VMWare Fusion on my machines, and I have used CrossOver Office for limited purposes. I've not yet seen, in my use pattern, a reason to go to Boot Camp but I certainly can see cases where it might make sense.

What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro?

What is the best way to run Sage on a MacBook Pro? I am a first time Apple user.

There's a lot of Sage out thete so fill us in with information. If it runs on Windows then you'll need to create a partition on your mbp using boot camp and install Windows. So what is Sage for you?

What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? And What are the pitfalls I should watch for?

What is the best way to run windows on my Mac? What are the pitfalls/

If you need Windows as your main operating system you would be better off buying a Real Windows PC.
Running windows on a Mac is always a compromise. Whether in a Boot Camp partition or in a Virtual Machine.
In boot camp you can't easily Re-Partition and or Re-Size the drive it is installed on. You can't use both graphics cards as Apple has limited Windows to use the discrete graphics only, that is if your mac has 2 graphics cards (15" MBPs), which will shorten the battery run time in Windows.
The trackpad only has limited functions in Windows, less then is available on the Mac side and a real Windows PC.

What's the best way to run Logic Pro from external hard drive.

What's the best way to run logic from external hard drive

Hi
Organism wrote:
Logic is designed to run from your Applications folder. I suspect if Logic was moved to an external drive, it might not be able to locate its assets, like loops and libraries.
As long the necessary files are in the correct places on the boot disc, you can run the Logic application itself fom wherever you like. It would not be recommended however, and there would be very little benefit (if any) in doing so.
CCT

The best way to get 5.1 sound out of Mac Pro

Hello. I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but could someone recommend me the best way to get 5.1 sound of a Mac Pro. Since I don't require hi-fi -level sound, just simple directional audio for gaming and such, I wouldn't like to pour a lot of money to this. As I see it, I'd need an external sound card, internal PCI-E soundcard or speakers that have an optical input. I would like for the cost to be in two digits, euro or dollar.
Any suggestions about hardware?

Once again, the issue of 5.1 w/Apple comes up.
Here is the bottom line.
You will only get 5.1 audio if the following conditions are true:
- You are using the OPTICAL output on your Mac
- You are playing a DVD with a 5.1 soundtrack
That's it. The simple truth is, that even if you have a Z-5500 setup (like I do), you still will not get 5.1 surround in ///any/// applications other then while playing a DVD.
There is no way to get 5.1 out of a game on a Mac Pro. No matter how much money you throw at it. The support simply is not there. It is not a software issue, it is not a driver issue. It is the game developer's issue (sort of), and it is a //lack of hardware// issue.
The complex truth, and I will attempt to explain, isn't that simple.
Your Mac Pro or Macbook only has a single line-out, that supports 2 channels at the maximum. Optical audio will only handle 2 channels as well- it's the same signal (in two channels) on a different medium, basically.
All PC soundcards that support proper 5.1 (save for a select few) have //multiple// line-out jacks for Front Left/Right, Center/Sub, and Rear Left/Right (3 plugs total for 5.1). Since your Mac/Mac Pro doesn't have this, you can't hook up a 5.1 speaker set and expect true 5.1.
You do have optical audio, however, this only works in 5.1 when a Dolby Digital signal is piped through the optical cable.
Dolby Digital works by encoding a 5.1 signal as a data stream, sending it to a receiver, where it is decoded and played back as 5.1 stereo. DVD's have this audio pre-encoded on the disk.
If you wanted 5.1 output from your games, they'd need to ether have the sound/audio data encoded as Dolby 5.1, or support encoding on the fly to take a 5.1 signal, encode it, and pipe it out the optical audio plug. Xbox360 does this, because they've licensed the technology from Dolby- as have the game developers.
Unfortunately, none of the developers for Macintosh gaming have yet to include live Dolby 5.1 encoding (I think Doom 3 had a beta patch that did- I could be wrong).
If the game doesn't support the above feature, then you only get basic 2 channel audio.
*Do not buy a Fireface 800.*
This is a professional audio interface (like an external soundcard). While it supports 5.1 output via 6 individual outputs, you need SPEAKERS that have +built in amplifiers+ (called a Studio Monitor). Not just one amplifier- all the speakers have it built in and take a balanced stereo input.
You're looking at $1300 for the Fireface 800, and another $200 per speaker. This is not cheap, is not meant for gaming, and is not consumer grade equipment. It's pro audio, designed for Logic 8 and similar.
Even if you did spend the money, trust me, I'd know... I have a 5.1 setup running through an Apogee Ensemble (a $2000 "soundcard"), and I do not get 5.1 support from Quake 4, C&C 3, or any other game. I only get 5.1 surround from my audio production in Logic 8.
To recap, since this has been asked many times- and I don't want you wasting your money here (just trying to be helpful!)...
*There is no simple or cost-efficient way to get 5.1 from your Mac, other then while playing a DVD movie.*
I would highly recommend that you buy a very good pair of 2.1 speakers with a Sub woofer. Maybe even a pair that takes an optical input for audio. If you really want to spend the money to *watch a DVD in surround sound,* then you can... And it'll work wonderfully, but gaming will not give you surround sound at all.
*Again- There are no games out that support 5.1. Just because you technically support Dolby 5.1, doesn't mean the applications are aware of it and can utilize the 5.1 surround.*
Edit: I may have neglected to also mention that the Firewave unit will support 5.1 properly through 3 separate plugs (much like a PC soundcard does), however the only game I am aware of that supports this is Unreal Tournament 2003 for Mac (or was it 04?), with an experimental patch for 5.1 via OpenAL. Last I heard, it worked okay, but crashed occasionally.
Most of the other games out there just don't support 5.1, period (probably due to the lack of hardware on the Mac computers from the factory).
-SC
Message was edited by: ScottishCaptain

How can i run a windows based program on mac book pro

Can I run a windows based program on mac book pro mountain lion 10.8.4

You can use bootcamp to install windows natively on the hard drive. You then choose which OS you wish to use at startup - OS X or Windows.
You can also install Windows in a virtual machine - Parallels or VMWare Fusion - and run it simultaneously with OS X (a virtual machine is just a PC emulated in software, and you install and run windows in the emulated machine hardware).

Best way to format my 16GB flash drive for Mac and PC transferring large power point files?

best way to format my 16GB flash drive for Mac and PC transferring large power point files?

format flash drive in Exfat for transferring files between Mac and Pc.
FORMAT TYPES
FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
Maximum file size: 4GB.
Maximum volume size: 2TB
You can use this format if you share the drive between Mac OS X and Windows computers and have no files larger than 4GB.
NTFS (Windows NT File System)
Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X, here are some alternatives:
For Mac OS X 10.4 or later (32 or 64-bit), install Paragon (approx $20) (Best Choice for Lion)
Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard and Lion, but is not advisable, due to instability.
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support NTFS
Maximum file size: 16 TB
Maximum volume size: 256TB
You can use this format if you routinely share a drive with multiple Windows systems.
HFS+ ((((MAC FORMAT)))) (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Don't use case-sensitive)
Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! backups of Mac internal hard drive.
To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
Maximum file size: 8EiB
Maximum volume size: 8EiB
You can use this format if you only use the drive with Mac OS X, or use it for backups of your Mac OS X internal drive, or if you only share it with one Windows PC (with MacDrive installed on the PC)
EXFAT (FAT64)
Supported in Mac OS X only in 10.6.5 or later.
Not all Windows versions support exFAT.
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support exFAT
Maximum file size: 16 EiB
Maximum volume size: 64 ZiB
You can use this format if it is supported by all computers with which you intend to share the drive. See "disadvantages" for details.

HT4796 any idea how long it takes for migrate process. Is it the best way to transfer old computer files to your mac?

Any idea how long it takes for migrate process to complete. Is it the best way to transfer file from your pc to mac?

If you are using Migration Assistant with a WiFi connection expect 12+ hours, 24 hours is possible.
If you are using hardwired network connections expect 4 to 8 hours.

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions!
You will continue to hear different opinions here, where thoughts range everywhere between "anti-virus software is the evil spawn of Satan" to "anyone not running anti-virus software is a fool."
Truth is, this is still a very personal decision on a Mac. Depending on circumstances, it is still very easily possible to stay safe without using anti-virus software, but circumstances and personal preferences vary widely. Besides which, anti-virus software cannot even remotely provide you a guarantee of protection!
To learn how to stay safe (with or without anti-virus software), and how to decide whether to use anti-virus software, see my Mac Malware Guide.

What is the best way to remotely access my sister in laws Mac who lives in another city to help her with her computer problems?

as stated above
What is the best way to remotely access my sister in laws Mac who lives in another city to help her with her computer problems?

The best way? Get her to bring it to you, especially if she makes good cakes.
Apples Back to my Mac isn't really suitable for this - it is designed for a single person who wants their Apple ID on the system. It would mean she would have to share hers with you & you would also have to setup her Apple ID on your Mac - it is messy & causes trouble with iCloud, iTunes etc.
You can try Messages if she is able to begin a session with you, see the 'invite to share screen' in the menus, weirdly you need to use a service that isn't from Apple.
Messages (Mavericks): Share your screen
It may be better if you to setup LogMeIn or GoToMyPC. They should 'dial out' & maintain a constant connection so you can login whenever the Mac is powered up. It won't, require a human to initiate the process at the other end, just be aware that the router may cause issues depending on what is configured, you may need settings to enable automatic port forwarding - it really depend on which option you choose.

What is the best way to increase the storage capacity of my Mac Air 256Gb?

What is the best way to increase the storage capacity of my Mac Air 256Gb?

Try here and scroll down toward the bottom. There's no inexpensive solution and in some cases it actually might make more economic sense to sell your current computer and buy a new one.

What is the best way to run two programs simulataneously using the output from one to run the other?

I just kind of wanted to get an opinion from some people on here. I have two main VIs. The first is a DAQ system that reads 99 different sensors and feeds that data into an array. The second is a real-time processing system that is designed to take the array and do numerous calculations. Both VIs output data to the front panel that I want to see, so I don't want to just use one as a SubVI.
Is there a simple way to run both VIs, using the output from the DAQ system to feed the processor so that you can easily see the front panels of both VIs? I had considered just copying the real-time processor code into the DAQ VI, but I'm worried the resultant VI will be very large and unsightly.
On a side note, am I over thinking this? Excuse me if this is a rather dumb question, it's been a long week...aaaand it's Wednesday.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

There are a number of ways that you can go about this, but having both front panels open isn't a problem (assuming there is screen space!). Both could be sub-vi's of another "calling" vi, with their front panels set to open when called. The data from the DAQ side can be sent to the other through a number of ways, "producer-consumer" (many threads about this topic, examples in the LabVIEW examples, etc.) is one of the more robust techniques. If created correctly it allows one to run at a different rate than the other, although if the producer is "producing" much faster than the consumer can "consume" it will end up with problems.
I guess I type too slowly
Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer
Senior Test Engineer
Currently using LV 6.1-LabVIEW 2012, RT8.5
LabVIEW Champion

Best way to run open source/GNU programs on Mac

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for