Mac EXE Virus then connects to the remote server and downloads several files to the '/Library/X2441139MAC/Temp/' directory. At time of research, Mac EXE Virus gathered information that is not particularly sensitive (e.g., processor details, memory, etc.), however, it is promoted using a quite unique malware distribution technique. Executable files contain code that is run when the file is opened. Windows programs, Mac OS X applications, scripts, and macros are all considered executable files. Since these file types run code when opened, unknown executable files, such as those received as e.
A: While it is possible to open most Windows documents on a Macintosh, Windows applications will not run natively on the Macintosh platform. This is because the programs are written for a specific operating system and processor type.
The operating system, whether it is Windows or macOS, uses a specific API, which is a set of instructions that programs can use while they are running. The problem is that Windows API functions are not recognized on a Macintosh. Furthermore, each application program must be compiled for a specific type of processor in order to run. The process of compiling the source code creates machine code that is recognized by the computer's processor.
Historically, the architecture (or design) of PC processors has been different from the architecture of Macintosh processors. Therefore, programs had to be specifically written and compiled for the correct processor. However, in 2006 Apple transitioned their entire line of Macintosh computers from PowerPCs to Intel processors, meaning they now use the same architecture as PCs. Windows programs will still not run natively on the Mac OS, but software like Apple Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop for Mac allow you to run Windows on an Intel-based Mac. This enables you to install and run Windows programs on your Mac, through the Windows interface.
Four options for running Windows programs on and Intel-based Mac:
| Parallels Desktop | VMware Fusion | Apple Boot Camp | CrossOver Mac |
Emulation on Older PowerPC-based Macs
The only way to run Windows programs on a PowerPC-based Macintosh is to use Windows emulation software. This software emulates a PC processor, which allows a native version of Windows, such as Windows XP, to run on older Macs. A popular Windows emulation program is Virtual PC.
Because Virtual PC is an only an emulator, you need to install the Windows operating system on top of the Virtual PC software in order to run Windows programs. Fortunately, Microsoft offers versions of Virtual PC that include Windows, such as Windows XP Professional or Home Edition.
Virtual PC has been around for many years and has evolved along with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It was originally developed by Connectix, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2003. Microsoft continued development of Virtual PC and released new versions of the software for several years. However, now that Macs are shipping with Intel processors, Microsoft will not be developing new versions of Virtual PC.
Besides the fact you have to purchase emulation software and a Windows operating system license, there is another downside of running Windows programs using Virtual PC. Because the software is emulated, many programs run significantly slower than they would on a Windows machine. While basic programs such as text editors and Web browsers may run relatively well, processor-intensive programs such as graphics editors and 3D games may run too slowly to be usable.
Fortunately, Intel-based Macs do not require processor emulation, so Windows programs can run much faster through a virtualization program, like Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop, or VMware Fusion.
Updated: December 22, 2018
Dec 12 2019
EXE files are made for users of Microsoft's Windows, but today you have several ways to use EXE files on your Mac.| File Juicer | VirtualBox | Parallels | Fusion | ClamAV | Boot Camp | Crossover |
| Extracts images, CAB and other files from EXE | Virtual Machine can run Windows | Virtual Machine can run Windows | Virtual Machine can run Windows | Virus scanning | Lets your Mac run Windows natively | 95% Windows replacement |
| $18 | $0 + $129 | $80+$129 | $99+$129 | Free | $0+$129 | $40- |
File Juicerdoes not run EXE files. It searches inside the EXE file to see if it contains images, Flash games or animations, compressed .ZIP or .RAR archives and many other formats. If if finds any, it will extract and save them. An example EXE file containing photos: AutumnToadStools.EXE
13 second movie showing how to extract images from an EXE file (a screen saver). This will work on some EXE files, but not if the EXE file is encrypted or use a proprietary storage system.
ZIP and RAR files are common inside EXE files which are made 'self extracting' on Windows by wrapping them in an EXE file. You open ZIP files by double-clicking them. RAR files require RAR Expander.
Pocket PC applications are often packaged as 'Windows only installers' in EXE files, and the developers forget to make an installer for Mac OS X.
File Juicer can extract the CAB files from the exe file, and you can manually copy this file to the Pocket PC and get it installed this way.
Adobe/Macromedia's Flash files are also often wrapped inside an EXE file. File Juicer can extract them, and you can play them with iSwiff .
Some EXE files containing other files are not possible to open with File Juicer. Typically this is packages made by installer applications like InstallerVise from MindVision.
The most affordable free and supported app to run Windows and apps on your Mac is VirtualBox from Oracle.
You do need a copy of Microsoft Windows, and the Home Edition of Windows 10 is about $129
It takes only a few minutes to download and install Virtual Box, but it may take more than an hour to get your copy of Windows and all the Windows software updates installed. You will also need 30-50GB of free disk space to set aside as to a virtual disk for your 'Windows PC'. I have successfully been able to run Windows 7 on a 20GB virtual disk
Parallels Desktop require a Mac with an Intel processor. It is more convenient to use than Apple's Boot Camp as it does not require to restart your Mac every time you want to run a Windows application.
Parallels Desktop is focused on personal use, while VMWare cater for enterprise users even though they keep VMWare Fusion for personal use
Executable Files For Mac
You still need a copy of Microsoft Windows and install it on a part of your hard disk. You also need to keep this part of your disk free of spyware, viruses. You can keep the Mac part of your disk separate from your Windows part, so nasty applications will not ruin your Mac data.
If your Mac is not quite new and only updated to macOS 13 'High Sierra' you can get away with an older copy of Parallels from Amazon: Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac
If you have a Mac with an Intel processor, VMWare Fusion will be an alternative to Parallels Desktop. VMWare is mostly focused on business users, but they still sell a version for personal use which is conveninent if you want to use the same software at home and at work. They are already known for making virtual Windows environments on Windows, so Windows users can run different versions of Windows on the same PC.
You do need a copy of Microsoft Windows
EXE files can be nasty to Windows users. If you want to use any of the applications below to run the EXE file you have, I recommend checking it for virus first. This is a good idea even though Windows viruses will only be dangerous for the part of your hard disk you set aside for Windows: one can never be too careful when running EXE files. Because File Juicer does not run EXE files, but search them for images, Flash animations and more, even infected EXE files are not dangerous when dropped on File Juicer for a search for extractable files.
ClamAV knows about 90.000 viruses. It is free and you can download ClamXav for Mac OS X here.
ClamXav is quite nice as it does not run in the background and slow your Mac down unless you directly ask for it (by launching ClamXav Sentry from the File menu).
The newest Macs have an Intel processor inside, and Apple has made it possible via BootCamp to install Windows in a part of your disk. With Boot Camp, you shut down your Mac and restart it as a real Windows PC which works at full speed. When you want to go back to Mac OS, you restart it again as a Mac.You still need to purchase a copy of Microsoft Windows, install it and keep that corner of your hard disk free of virus, worms and spyware.
Amazon: Microsoft Windows
Codeweavers CrossOver (since 2007) - is a way to Windows applications without having Windows. This is of course more affordable, and you don't have to work through a Windows installation which may take hours.
The disadvantage is that it is not a 100% Windows replacement, but they have focused on the most common parts of Windows, and if an application only depend on those it should work. Their compatibility list of supported applications give an impression of how much of Windows they support.
Amazon: Code Weavers Crossover Mac (Mac)
The 3 most popular places to look for Mac software are: Visit them both as they are different in how they present their lists. MacUpdate and VersionTracker has user reviews of the software too.Installer App Mac
While all active software developers list their software on these 3 sites, there are more which write about using Mac software. MacWorld.