One of the things that I've been using as an excuse to keep me from making progress on my personal genealogical research has been the inability to run my favorite genealogy software, RootsMagic, on my Macintosh. Oh, yes, I know that I can install Parallels Desktop for Mac or VMware Fusion, and then install Windows.
But I recently stumbled upon an easier solution: CrossOver Mac. By installing the Standard version ($39.95), I was then able to install and run RootsMagic 4 without a problem.
One less excuse for avoiding my personal genealogical research!
Glad you finally ran out of excuses! Welcome to the world of RootsMagic users!
ReplyDeleteI just bought a new iMac after more than a decade of Windows computing. I have the same problem you had, finding acceptable genealogy software for the Mac.
ReplyDeleteHow long have you been using CrossOver? Have you found any Rootsmagic functions that don't work? I would be interested in hearing more about your experiences with Mac genealogy.
This sounds like a great option for Mac users! I just switched to Mac after using Windows-based research the last 12 years. I always regretted leaving the Mac behind, but it was a financial decision at the time.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm facing the challenge of translating my family history research to Mac-based programs. I didn't like the idea of installing Windows on my beautiful new iMac...
I also use Rootsmagic 4. Have you found anything yet that doesn't work?
Mitch, I've only had RootsMagic 4 up on the Mac (under CrossOver) for a day or two, so I haven't had time to test many functions. I was able to print out a report with no problem.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the double post. I was commenting from my iPhone, and it looked like the first post didn't take.
ReplyDeleteNow that you've had time to go through RootsMagic since using CrossOver, what are your impressions? Have you found any problems/issues?
ReplyDeleteBernard, the only problem I've run into so far is that I can't directly access GenSmarts from RootsMagic under CrossOver. Of course, I can still export a GEDCOM file from RootsMagic and have GenSmarts open that.
ReplyDeleteWell, I already have a correction to my previous comment. Two, actually. First, it wasn't necessary for me to create a GEDCOM-format file from RootsMagic in order to use GenSmarts with it. GenSmarts can directly read RootsMagic 4 files.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, I just downloaded and installed the newest release of CrossOver (version 10). And I found that I could now be in RootsMagic, click on an individual, and have GenSmarts give me suggestions for that individual.
So at this point, I can't think of any particular problem in running RootsMagic 4 under CrossOver.
I'm following your use of CrossOver with genealogy programs... have you tried to run AniMap with CrossOver? It's one program I do like, but CrossOver doesn't list it at all on their compatabilty chart.
ReplyDeleteI'm following your use of CrossOver with genealogy programs... have you tried to run AniMap with CrossOver? It's one program I do like, but CrossOver doesn't list it at all on their compatabilty chart.
ReplyDeleteI was able to get RM4 working on my Mac and in Linux using wine. It is the underlying engine for Crossover but it is free.
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.drewwithers.com/2011/02/rootsmagic-4-on-mac-os-for-free-using.html
Family Curator, nope, I haven't tried AniMap on it yet. (I'll have to see if I still have the CD for that one!)
ReplyDeleteI recently got a new Mac and decided to use Crossover. It loaded and setup
ReplyDeletenicely. My problem with it is I use a different set of settings for the folders
than most people do.
They go like this:
C:\Program Files (x86)\RootsMagic 4\ (This is for the RM rmgc file)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Rootsmagic 4\Backup\ (this is used for the backup files in the RM home Dir)
The remaining 3 are similar like:
Media RootsMagic 4\Photo\
Gedcoms RootsMagic 4\Gedcoms\
Report Files: RootsMagic 4\Publisher\
Now I have tried using these settings and Crossover will not allow me to save my Configuration.
Is there a default string that would get me to the RM default?
I tried the location that shows up when I open RM in crossover.
It is C:\users\crossover\My Documents\RootsMagic 4
It didn't work. Could not save and create the folders.
I tried going to the c drive_C: folder and then tried to save the folders in the RM 4 directory, but this didn't work either.
Do you have a Mac that shows how the default folders are located on the HD.
Herb,
ReplyDeleteDo you mean that when you're running RootsMagic in CrossOver, you're not able to use the Program Options to change the locations of the files?
For instance, I put my RootsMagic files on my Mac in the Dropbox folder, and within that, in a folder called "genealogy". So the path looks like:
Y:\Dropbox\genealogy\
Does that help?
Yes to your first question.
ReplyDeleteI will add a dropbox account and follow your procedure.
Thanks for the tip.
Herb
Did you ever try out Reunion for Mac? I've been using that for a couple of years and I'm happy with it, but it does not interface with New Family Search so I'm considering making a switch.
ReplyDeleteI attended one of your classes at Jamboree and learned a lot. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteUntil I went to your class I didn't know about using RootsMagic on a MAC with Crossover. I'm a Reunion user and have been happy with it except for one issue, so I might consider changing. I wonder if you've ever used Reunion and if you could tell me why you like RootsMagic better. Thanks so much.
I used Reunion on one of my early Macs (late 1990s), but I prefer RootsMagic because (1) it implements citation templates based upon work by Elizabeth Shown Mills, and (2) I can speak to the RootsMagic folks face-to-face at every national conference. I've never seen anyone from Reunion at a national conference.
ReplyDelete