StudioPlus Spectra for the Mac

Who said StudioPlus Spectra won't run on a Mac? Many studios seamlessly run Spectra on their Macs every day. Yes, it's true that Spectra was originally designed for the Windows operating system, but don't let that stop you. Thanks to great new technology you can have the best of both worlds and effortlessly run Spectra on your Mac.

The most popular options are for users of Intel-based Macs to run Boot Camp, Parallels, or VMware Fusion. While these products are slightly different in their operation, they all allow the Mac to run Spectra.

Boot Camp

Allows the user to switch back and forth between the “Mac” side and the “Windows” side of their computer.
+ Learn more about Boot Camp

Parallels

Allows for an integrated solution in which both the Mac and Windows sessions are open at the same time. It also allows for a cohesive mode in which both sessions are blended within the operating system. Preferences can be set to tell the Mac side to open programs in the Windows side and vice-versa. This is a very popular option.
+ Learn more about Parallels

VMware Fusion

Similar to Parallels in how it operates, VMware is a leader in virtualization technology. It also allows for a cohesive option (referred to as Unity Mode) in which both operating systems are blended. Below is a screen shot of a Mac running StudioPlus Spectra with VMware Fusion in Unity Mode.
+ Learn more about VMware Fusion


Both Parallels and Fusion support additional features such as taking “Snapshots” of the Windows environment at pre-set intervals. If Windows was to ever have an issue, a previous snapshot could be restored. Also, these programs offer file and folder sharing between the Mac and Windows sides. This allows the user to import images into StudioPlus Spectra and then open those same images in their Mac OS for editing.

A final option to run Spectra on your Mac network is to set up a Windows XP Professional, Vista, or 2003 Server running Terminal Services to house the StudioPlus Spectra data files. Next, set up Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection on your Mac. Simply follow the instructions on Microsoft's Mactopia web site by clicking here.

 

# For a more detailed overview, including system requirements and installation instructions, read our downloadable PDF document "Using Spectra on a Mac."
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