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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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.
- Launch Boot Camp Assistant: Use Boot Camp Assistant to create a partition on your hard drive and set up parameters for Windows installation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Download LIRA-FEM: Download the LIRA-FEM installer from the official LIRA-FEM website.
- Run the Installer: Double-click the installation file and follow the installation wizard’s instructions.
- Choose the Installation Directory: Specify the folder where the program will be installed.
- Configure Installation Settings: Set default parameters, including the directory where the system and project files should be stored.
- LIRA-FEM installation: Specify the path where the system and working files of the program will be located.
- Install LIRA-CAD module: During installation of LIRA-FEM program, the LIRA-CAD module will be installed as well.
- Launch the Program: After installation, open the Windows Start Menu in Parallels Desktop and launch LIRA-FEM program or LIRA-CAD module.
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.
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