Learn how to log into OnCloud,
Amion's cloud-hosted version of the OnCall schedule builder.
Learn how to install CROSSOVER, a $40 tool
which will let you install OnCall directly onto your Mac.
If you require a locally installed schedule builder client, Mac users may run OnCall
using a Windows virtual machine. Amion does not provide technical support on installing
Windows or configuring Parallels, VirtualBox, or any other third party software. If
your institution offers technical support via their IT/IS team, contact them first
to see what their suggested process is for accessing Windows software on your Mac.
The options outlined below are suggested for personal Macs not managed by your IT/IS
department.
First, you should always check with your IT support staff or IS&T group to see if
they have a recommended way for you to access Windows software. For example, if you
connect to a Windows-based application server or virtual desktop like Citrix, they
may be able to make OnCall available to you there. If your IT staff haven't worked
with us before, let them know we're happy to assist them in making OnCall available
to their users.
If you'll be using OnCall on a personal Mac, and don't already have access to Windows
software via Citrix or similar, you can run OnCall by installing Windows on your Mac.
You can do that in two ways:
- By using a virtual machine, which lets you run Windows in a virtual PC
that runs simultaneously with your Mac software or...
- By dual booting with Boot Camp,
which requires you to reboot to switch between Windows and Mac.
We recommend using a virtual machine for Windows. This page outlines common ways to
set up that virtual machine. Boot Camp is not covered here.
Virtualization lets you run Windows and macOS at the same time, switching back and
forth instantly or combining Windows and Mac apps on the same screen. Because you're
running two systems at once, your Mac might be slower while Windows is running.
There are two main virtual machine programs we recommend:
- Parallels Desktop: Easier
to set up and use. Includes technical support. Costs $79.99 per year (future updates
included), or $99.99 1-time purchase (current version only) after free trial.
- VirtualBox: Free. Setup is more complicated.
Does not offer technical support.
Parallels includes a setup wizard that walks you through setting up your virtutal
machine and downloading and installing Windows. This is by far the easiest way to
get Windows running on your Mac. Click
here to download Parallels Desktop.. For an overview of installing Windows 10
using Parallels Desktop,
click
here. You can contact Parallels customer support here.
If you go with VirtualBox (free, more complicated setup process), the instructions
below should get you started.
These instructions are for informational purposes only. We cannot provide in-depth
technical support or installation assistance for VirtualBox or Windows. You should
be able to find plenty of tips and guides online.
If you prefer a video tutorial, we suggest this one. This video was not made by Amion,
but covers the same steps outlined below. (If you can't see the embedded video below,
click here to view it on YouTube.com.)
Visit the VirtualBox Download
page. Under the "VirtualBox platform packages" section, click the download link
for "OS X hosts."
Once the download completes, open it and run the VirtualBox.pkg installer.
You can download the Windows 10 installer from Microsoft at this page:
Download
Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File)
Choose the latest "edition" and your preferred language. Wait for the download links
to appear, then cick to download the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Wait for the download
to complete. This is a large download (about 5GB) and may take some time.
First we'll set up our Virtual Machine in VirtualBox:
- Open the VirtualBox application from your Applications folder.
- To create a new virtual machine, click New.
- Name your VM whatever you want. For Type choose Microsoft Windows, and
for Version choose Windows 10 (64-bit). Click Continue.
- For "Memory size", leave the default of 2048 MB (2GB). Click Continue.
- For "Hard disk", choose Create a virtual hard disk now. Click
Continue.
- For "Hard disk file type", choose the default VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
Click Continue.
- For "Storage on physical hard disk" choose Dynamically allocated. Click
Continue.
- For "File location and size" leave the default location, and set the size to 50GB.
Click Create.
Now we'll need to install Windows 10 using the Windows 10 ISO we downloaded earlier.
An ISO is the virtual equivalent of a DVD, and we'll need to put it into our virtual
machine's virtual drive to run it.
Installing Windows will take some time (sometimes up to two hours depending
on the speed of your computer.) Make sure your computer is connected to power, and
that you will have time to complete the installation, before beginning.
- In the VirtualBox toolbar, click Start
- VirtualBox will prompt you to select a virtual optical disk file. Click the
yellow folder icon and choose the Windows ISO we downloaded earlier. Click
Start.
- You'll see the Windows 10 installer begin to run. Follow its prompts to set up
your new virtual PC. The installation will take some time.
- When asked to Activate Windows you can either enter a product key (if you have
one) or choose "I don't have a product key." You can use Windows 10 without activating
a product key, but some features (like setting a desktop background) will be restricted.
- When asked to choose a Windows version, choose the one that matches your product
key. If you don't have a product key, choose Windows 10 Home.
- When asked to choose an installation type, choose Custom: Install Windows Only.
- Choose your virtual 50GB hard drive, and click Next.
- Windows will install. This will take some time; up to two hours depending on the
speed of your computer.
- Your virtual machine (not your Mac) may restart one or more times during installation.
- Go through the Windows new computer setup screens until you reach the Desktop.
VirtualBox needs to install some Windows drivers that allow you to do things like
re-size the Windows screen and connect to your Mac's existing network connection.
- In your Mac's menu bar, click Devices, then Insert Guest Additions CD
image...
- On the PC desktop, click the File explorer icon (the yellow folder).
- Click This PC, then Open the CD Drive.
- Double click VBoxWindowsAdditions. Run the installer.
- Your virtual machine will restart once again. Now your virtual machine is ready
to use!
Now that you have a functioning Windows PC on your Mac you can
install OnCall, Amion's
desktop scheduler.
Here we discuss mac.
