- Parallels for mac review 2014 install#
- Parallels for mac review 2014 upgrade#
- Parallels for mac review 2014 software#
- Parallels for mac review 2014 windows 7#
- Parallels for mac review 2014 free#
Parallels for mac review 2014 upgrade#
During the final steps of configuring the virtual machine, users can select between a “Windows 8” experience or make Windows 8 function like “Windows 7.” For many users transitioning to OS X, the Windows 8.1 experience was the primary catalyst for using an alternative OS or eschewing an upgrade all together.
One nifty feature that’s unique to Parallels, is the ability to control the Windows 8 experience. Meanwhile, the others balance memory usage, resources, and disk space necessary to provide a great experience without taxing the Mac system. For example, the Games Only selection runs Windows in full-screen mode and offers the most resources to Windows.
Parallels for mac review 2014 software#
Parallels provides four canned scenarios for Windows: Productivity, Games Only, Design, and Software Development.Įach choice sets up environment variables that provide the best functionality for that option. Once a key is entered, next comes one of the most important steps for defining how the virtual machine will function. Once the install source is chosen, Parallels takes care of the rest, including asking for the product key. The USB drive can be either a bootable drive or just simply contain an image file of the Windows install. We tested all three methods with the latest release of Windows 8.1 and found that the USB drive method was the quickest (we didn’t have to copy any files to the local hard drive or mount any DVDs) and simplest way to move forward.
Parallels for mac review 2014 install#
Parallels offers several different paths to install Windows, it can be accomplished using a Windows DVD, installed from an image file, or installed from a key drive (USB drive) – all of which should share something in common, an installable image of Windows. However, there are situations where Windows 8.1 may be merited, especially if someone needs to to run the latest Windows applications on an OS X system.
Parallels for mac review 2014 windows 7#
What’s important to note is that the NVM (New Virtual Machine) wizard offers several options, including simply installing an alternate OS, migrating Windows from an existing PC, and downloading and installing alternate (free) OS, such as Ubuntu Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and even another OS X session.įor the majority of users, a Windows install will be the most likely choice, and for simplicity’s sake, Windows 7 might be the best option for those looking to transition from a Windows to a Mac. For example, creating a new virtual machine can be accomplished in just a few mouse clicks – using the new virtual machine wizard. Hands On with Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac:Įase of use seems to be the evident theme with the latest version of Parallels, with wizards and guided menus doing all of the heavy lifting.
However, does the value offed by Parallels equate the initial cash outlay? That’s a question that can only be answered by taking a look at what the product brings to the desktop and determining whether its features, capabilities, and user experience surpass those of other options, especially Oracle’s VirtualBox, which for all intents and purposes, is free. With that in mind, $80 seems like a bargain. What’s more, $80 is a lot cheaper than having to buy two systems (one for OS X and another for Windows) to accomplish what you may have to do on any given day. However, that $80 does buy a great deal of functionality and enables your Mac to do things previously thought impossible.
Parallels for mac review 2014 free#
In a world filled with free and low-cost applications, $80 may seem like a king’s ransom to pay for bringing multiple personalities to the typical Mac system. The software focuses on tighter integration, ease of use, and support options to take the mystery (and hassles) out of virtualization for those looking to maximize productivity on their Macs.Ī closer Look at Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac: While the aforementioned products are the primary competitors for the latest iteration of Parallels Desktop 10 for Mac (also around $80), Parallels takes a different approach. What’s more, virtualization software comes in many shapes and sizes, with free products such as Oracle’s Virtual Box and for cost products such as VMMare’s VMWare Fusion for Mac (around $80) leading in the name recognition game.
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