Four options for running Windows programs on and Intel-based Mac: This enables you to install and run Windows programs on your Mac, through the Windows interface. 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. 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. Therefore, programs had to be specifically written and compiled for the correct processor. Historically, the architecture (or design) of PC processors has been different from the architecture of Macintosh processors. The process of compiling the source code creates machine code that is recognized by the computer's processor.

Furthermore, each application program must be compiled for a specific type of processor in order to run. The problem is that Windows API functions are not recognized on a Macintosh. 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. This is because the programs are written for a specific operating system and processor type. While it is possible to open most Windows documents on a Macintosh, Windows applications will not run natively on the Macintosh platform.

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