Caught between Mac and Windows? This crossover program could help.
As Mick Jagger once moaned into a microphone, you can't always get what you want — and computers are no exception.
Windows-powered computers are still some of the most popular models money can buy. But with their razor-sharp aesthetics and user-friendly edge, Apple's slew of MacBooks are climbing their way to the top.
Switching from Windows to Mac may be a logical decision, but there's just one problem: You bought a bunch of Windows-only programs. So what are you supposed to do, start from scratch? And waste plenty of resources and money? Um, no thank you. Fortunately, a program called CrossOver 17 offers a way for you to run all your favorite apps and games on your new computer.
Once you download CrossOver 17 onto your Mac, you can install and run Windows programs without buying a Windows license, rebooting your computer, or investing in some virtual machine. Simply drag and drop your favorite programs onto your Mac dock and you're all set.
If you're looking to kick it old school with a Linux computer, which has been around since the '90s, CrossOver 17 has a Windows to Linux version, too.
CrossOver 17 usually costs $40, which is a steal when you think about how much money you're saving on new software. But for the next few days, you can buy it for $19 — that's more than 50% off. Whether you're getting a new computer for the holidays or looking for the perfect gift for your tech-obsessed kid, it's a no-brainer.
Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums and TVs, plus eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories comes in clutch when making recommendations on how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.
