LIRA-FEM installation on a Mac through virtualisation

Since the release of the M series processors (M1, M2, M3, and M4), Mac users have to use alternative techniques in order to run Windows-based applications like LIRA-FEM. This software, designed for structural analysis and design of buildings, is widely used in civil and structural engineering. However, since LIRA-FEM is developed for Windows x64, it requires specific solutions for installation and operation on Mac computers.

This paper explores two main methods of running LIRA-FEM on a Mac: virtualization through Parallels Desktop for M-series processors and using Boot Camp for Macs with Intel processors. We will go over the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Finally, we'll include a detailed installation tutorial for LIRA-FEM using Parallels Desktop.


Virtualizing Windows on Mac with M-Series Processors through Parallels Desktop

For Macs with M-series processors, native installation of Windows through Boot Camp is not possible due to differences in architecture (ARM vs. x64). Instead, users can use virtualization — creating a virtual machine (VM) that emulates a full Windows environment within macOS. One of the best solutions for this is Parallels Desktop, optimized for ARM-based Macs.

Steps to Install Windows through Parallels Desktop

  1. Install Parallels Desktop: Download and install Parallels Desktop from the official website. The software will prompt you to create a virtual machine for Windows ARM installation.
  2. Download Windows ARM: Since M1 and M4 Macs do not support the standard Windows x64 version, you will have to download the ARM version of Windows through the Windows Insider Preview program; the Parallels Desktop will do it automatically.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  3. Configure the Virtual Machine: After installing Windows, you can adjust the virtual machine settings such as RAM and CPU cores. It’s recommended to allocate at least 8GB of RAM for stable performance.
  4. Install LIRA-FEM (Windows x64): Although Windows ARM supports only ARM-based applications, it includes built-in x64 emulation. This enables you to install and run LIRA-FEM, a Windows x64 application.

Рис. 1. Шаблони документування


Advantages of Parallels Desktop

  • Optimization for M-Series Processors: Parallels Desktop efficiently utilizes the M-series processors, ensuring smooth performance of the virtual machine.
  • Coherence Mode: This feature allows you to run Windows programs as native macOS applications, it greatly simplifies your work.
  • Simple installation: Even non-technical users can easily complete the process because Parallels Desktop downloads and installs the ARM version of Windows automatically.

Disadvantages of Virtualization through Parallels Desktop

  • Resource Consumption: Running macOS and Windows simultaneously requires significant system resources, which may slow down some applications, especially resource-intensive ones.
  • Application Support: Although you can run the most of Windows x64 apps using emulation, their performance might not be as good as it would be on a Windows native installation.

Рис. 1. Шаблони документування


Installing Windows via Boot Camp on Macs with Intel Processors

For Mac users with Intel processors, another method of installing Windows is available - Boot Camp. It is a built-in macOS utility that lets you install Windows as a separate operating system on your computer. This method provides maximum performance, as Windows runs directly on Mac hardware.

Steps to Install Windows via Boot Camp

  1. Prepare Your Mac: Ensure you have enough free disk space (at least 100 GB is recommended). Download the Windows ISO image from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Launch Boot Camp Assistant: Use Boot Camp Assistant to create a partition on your hard drive and set up parameters for Windows installation.
  3. Install Windows: Once the partition is set, your Mac will restart, and Windows installation will begin. Follow the installer’s instructions to complete the process.
  4. Install Boot Camp Drivers: After installation, Boot Camp will automatically install drivers for your Mac’s components, such as the trackpad, keyboard, and graphics processor.
  5. Switch Between macOS and Windows: To switch operating systems, when restarting your Mac, hold down the Option (Alt) key and choose required OS.

Advantages of Using Boot Camp

  • Max Performance: Windows runs directly on Mac hardware, this solution is ideal for resource-intensive applications like LIRA-FEM.
  • Full Support for Mac Hardware: Boot Camp provides access to all hardware components, ensuring full compatibility.
  • Compatible with most Windows applications: Windows is installed natively, so you can run any program without limitations.

Disadvantages of Using Boot Camp

  • Requires Rebooting: To switch between macOS and Windows, it is necessary to reboot your Mac, so it is not possible to use both systems simultaneously.
  • Divide the Hard Disk into Fixed Partitions: Once a partition for Windows is created, it’s difficult to change its size without reinstalling the OS.
  • No Support for M-Series Processors: Boot Camp is only available on Intel-based Macs and is not supported on M1 or M4 Macs.

Comparison of Both Methods

  • Performance: Boot Camp offers the highest performance since Windows runs directly on Mac hardware. Parallels Desktop consumes more resources because macOS and Windows run simultaneously.
  • Convenience: Parallels Desktop allows you to use macOS and Windows simultaneously, so it is a better option for multitasking. Boot Camp requires rebooting to switch between systems.
  • Flexibility: Virtualisation through Parallels allows you to easily configure virtual machine resources (e.g. RAM and CPU cores), whereas Boot Camp does not.

Installing LIRA-FEM on Mac via Parallels Desktop

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate method, if you’re using a Mac with an M-series processor, follow these steps to install LIRA-FEM through virtualization.

Step-by-Step Installation of LIRA-FEM

  1. Download LIRA-FEM: Download the LIRA-FEM installer from the official LIRA-FEM website.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  2. Run the Installer: Double-click the installation file and follow the installation wizard’s instructions.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  3. Choose the Installation Directory: Specify the folder where the program will be installed.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  4. Configure Installation Settings: Set default parameters, including the directory where the system and project files should be stored.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  5. LIRA-FEM installation: Specify the path where the system and working files of the program will be located.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  6. Install LIRA-CAD module: During installation of LIRA-FEM program, the LIRA-CAD module will be installed as well.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

  7. Launch the Program: After installation, open the Windows Start Menu in Parallels Desktop and launch LIRA-FEM program or LIRA-CAD module.

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування

    Рис. 1. Шаблони документування


Conclusion

Installing LIRA-FEM on a Mac can be done through either virtualization with Parallels Desktop or a native Windows installation via Boot Camp (for Intel-based Macs). Parallels Desktop allows M-series Mac users to run Windows applications, offering flexibility and convenience, while Boot Camp provides max performance for Intel-based Macs.

Depending on what you need, Boot Camp is a superior option if max performance is needed; otherwise, Parallels Desktop virtualisation is the better option if you want to multitask and use Windows and macOS at the same time.

If you find a mistake and want to inform us about it, select the mistake, then hold down the CTRL key and click ENTER.

  • 85

Oleksander Lazarev

Leading technical support engineer of LIRALAND GROUP
Support of MONOMAH-SAPR, LIRA-CAD, ESPRI

More publications of the author


Comments

Write