CrossOver public beta: Allows Windows apps to run without Windows on Intel-based Macs

CodeWeavers has issued a public beta release of CrossOver for Mac OS X, software that allows Windows applications to run within Mac OS X on Intel-based Macs without an actual copy of Windows.

Release information states:

"CrossOver Mac will be the very best way to run your Windows applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.

"This beta version will give you a taste of the promise of CrossOver, but should be considered an early test release -- we intend to make substantial further improvements before we ship a production version. If you're not interested in experimental software, you should skip this and wait for notice of the production release."

CrossOver requires the installation of "quartz-wm" (Quartz Window Manager) -- a component included with Apple's X11 installation. Thus, users without X11 installed are urged to insert their Mac OS X Install disc, at which point CrossOver will copy the necessary files without installing the full X11 package.

The 60 day beta is available as a 30 MB download.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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