Q is based on the CPU emulator QEMU. Q allows Mac-users to run Windows and Linux on a Mac. Unlike VMWare and Parallels, Q supports PowerPC Macs (G4, G5) in addition to Intel Macs. For anyone building 3-D models, this is a useful program to have. Many 3-D modeling utilities and programs (Morph Manager, CR2Editor, and ZBrush to name a few) only run on Windows. Q is FREE and is available under the GPL (GNU Public License).

Setting up Q is very straightforward but a bit tedius:

1. Download Q from the website http://www.kju-app.org/kju/
2. Create a disk image using Disk Utility (available under “/Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility.app”). Your disk image should be large enough to fit whichever Operating System you wish to install (4 GB minimum for Windows XP).
3. Eject your Disk Image after creating it. DO NOT format it in DOS (contrary to the instructions on Q’s website). I found I had nothing but headaches after I attempted to install windows on a pre-formated drive.
4. Set-up a new Guest PC with Q. Set your new Disk Image as the Hard Disk and set CD-ROM as the medium to Boot From.
5. Install Windows from your CD (assuming you own a copy). Follow the on-screen instructions.

SECURITY NOTE:

DISABLE NETWORKING FOR Q. You cannot secure your Windows install at this time. XP cannot be updated using Q. I suspect similar problems for 98 and Vista. To be on the safe-side, don’t put your Windows share online. This avoids potential problems with viruses.