SolarFire on macOS
There are several paths to getting SolarFire running on macOS. Here is one approach using UTM.
Install homebrew as described here.
Install CrystalFetch, UTM, and tar using macOS terminal (cmd-space, type terminal)
brew install gnu-tar crystalfetch utm
Use CF to retreive Windows. If you are uncertain about your architecture, go to Apple Menu > About this Mac. Open UTM and crete a new VM using virtualization, not emulation. install from the .iso file create by CF.
# Optional for technical users, backup your VM in between major changes.
gtar -cvf windows.$(date +%F-%H%M).tar Library/Containers/com.utmapp.UTM/Data/Documents/Windows.utm
At any point from here forward, take a moment to shut down the VM, and eject or completely remove the windows installer virtual drive. I leave the guest tools drive attached.
Use Windows update to ensure everything is updated to the latest version. Set the scale to 150-200% Now it looks great.
# Optional
Backup again
Sign in w/MS if desired, login to OneDrive.
Set all your customizations, timezone, taskbar.
If you're on a mac with retina display, shut down your VM, edit your VM settings and enable retina mode.
Start it back up and set the display resolution to high, or whatever looks good.
# Optional
When satisfied, create a 'final' backup using a decent compression level
gtar -czvf windows.$(date +%F).final.tgz --options gzip:compression-level=9 Library/Containers/com.utmapp.UTM/Data/Documents/Windows.utm
# Delete the incremental backups:
rm -f windows.$(date +%F).*tar
# Troubleshooting If at some point you're having a problem with the Guest tools, you can get the latest version here:
wget https://getutm.app/downloads/utm-guest-tools-latest.iso
Shut down windows, go in to the configuration for the VM and add the iso to the USB drive, creating one if it doesn't already exist.
If you experience issues with a blank screen, go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility > explicitly add UTM to this list. Do the same for Screen & System Audio Recording.
After all that hard work, why not put the finishing touches on it by adding Chris Brennan's Hellenistic Astrology Layout for SolarFire.
