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Publisher's Description
From Parallels:
Parallels Desktop for Mac is the first solution that gives Apple users the ability to run Windows, Linux or any other operating system and their critical applications at the same time as Mac OS X on any Intel-powered iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook or MacBook Pro. Unlike dual-boot solutions, in which users must completely shut down Mac OS X and endure a full OS start-up cycle to access a important application, Parallels Desktop for Mac empowers users with the ability to run important Windows programs like Outlook, Access, Internet Explorer and all other applications without having to give up the usability and functionality of their Mac OS X machine even for a few minutes.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 230 votes
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Current version:
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"Runs every program I need"
Version: Parallels Desktop 8.0.18314.813278
Pros
Computer: 8GB MacBook Pro 17" Core2Duo 2.66
Runs quickly, can watch video and listen to music.
I regularly use Office 2007 Live Meeting, Cisco simulation software, terminal serve into my server, etc. all with no problemsCons
Have to run some programs in XP SP3 mode from Win 7 or Win 8.
Seems to have a memory leak, i.e. keeps using more and more memory until all memory is in use and will not release the memory when shut down. Have to reboot the Mac every week or so to get my memory back.
As others have said a bit expensive if you have to have the latest and greatest. I buy updates at the end of cycle when they are $25-$30. This seems to work for me. -
"Not an honest company"
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.15104.778994
Pros
Works in current year
Cons
You have to pay for upgrade for every update in the Mac OS. If you then upgrade to use the new MAC OS, they will come out with an update to that version a month later. So, if you want the most up to date version and be an early adopter, plan on spending $100 per year to use this software. They suck you in and then they got you.
Summary
If you are okay with spending $70 to $120 per year to have the latest Mac OS, go for it. ($20 for Mac OS + $50 to $100 for Parallels depending on how quick you upgrade to the annual Mac OS update.
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"Parallels Desktop Tech. Support"
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.15055
Pros
I am extremely impressed with the Tech.Support I have received from them. I have not expereienced the like for years.
Cons
When I find some I'll let you know
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"Charging you to watch adds!"
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.15055
Pros
Fast and does virtualization very well.
Cons
I am responsible for 100's of copies of Parallels worldwide. The company has decided to display ads for itself and others into the interface of this application even after you purchase at full price. They say that you can select them and turn them off one at a time but that only stops that particular add from coming again. They also say that there is no way to turn them off permanently but a solution has been provide on the internet if you look.
I am shocked that Parallels has turned their flagship Application into a billboard. I will not be subsidizing Parallels advertising within my Application in future purchasing, goodbye Parallels. -
"Parallels Desktop for Mac saves using two machines"
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.15055
Pros
When needing to run Visual Studio or programs only made for Windows they can run in coherence mode without starting the Windows OS. Excellent program for the cost, even better with the student discount.
Cons
Requires a separate license of Windows. Takes up space on the drive for the whole OS when only one or two programs are needed under Windows. Requires a second IP address to run without any issues when using a browser within the Win OS.
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"Better than Fusion in ways that are the most important."
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.14924
Pros
Interface and set-up are very straight forward. If you have Fusion you can migrate the VM from Fusion to Parallels to try it out (as I did) I started with Fusion and after 2 major versions of Fusion I didn't realize how much it slowed down my machine. Parallels is able to shut down my VM and my laptop without specifically closing out of the app. Fusion couldn't do that. Also I upgraded XP 32 but to V7 64 bit on Parallels, again something Fusion couldn't do. Integration between the VM is very smooth. Able to launch Win or Mac programs from within either interface or "lock down" the integration. Gives you a Safe Mode to try a trial install of Win software and be able to toss the changes if the software isn't what you thought it would be. Makes it easy to install a trial software and try it
Cons
Doesn't have as many OS options as Fusion (not that I used them) Also there is a number of ad-ware popups that occasionally launch promoting their own "store". These are rare and once dismissed don't show themselves again.
Summary
Personally, I prefer Parallels over Fusion. Fusion seemed more "clunky" than Parallels. But, I have a roommate who prefers Fusion. Do a trial of one and migrate the VM to the other during that trial. See which one you prefer.
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"VMware fusion has up the ante."
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.14924
Pros
Fast, stable, easy to use, good feature set. The same can be said of VMware fusion.
Cons
Cannot run client versions of Leopard, Snow Leopard, or Lion. This you can do in VMware fusion.
Summary
It's already time for parallels to update this software, to put it on par with be VMware fusion.
As of now, with the ability to run client versions of Leopard, Snow Leopard, or Lion in VMware fusion beats parallels. -
"Version 7 is very good Support is lame"
Version: Parallels Desktop 7.0.14924
Pros
Last version worked the first time upgrading from version 6. I have been using the product for a few years now and this version seems faster. My machine is three years old so speed is important. I am still on XP Pro and Office 2007. Upgrade price is good. Buying and downloading worked perfectly.
Cons
Support is lame. They guys supporting the product are located in India or Pakistan and they do not **** about the Mac. I discovered that in the Parallels folder which is located in the Documents folder, I had stuff dating 2008. I wonder what that was. I asked them about that and I received the stupidest answer you can think of, showing they did not knew anything. If I had followed advices like removing version 6 totally using the Terminal I would have messed the product. I finally did some testing on a backup HD to discover that I had like 100 GB of useless stuff from previous installations including some snapshots. I deleted those snapshots which were too old and most of all data from previous versions. All is perfect now.
Summary
A very useful product, well designed, at a competitive price, easy to master. Perhaps there are too much options for a beginner. You must RTFM if you want to appreciate the product. Installing XP was like I was on a real PC. I had a genuine XP pro OEM since I bought it with the Imac.
I will add to my review that after more days working with it, I am still very pleased most of all by the speed and also, by the ease of use. I did not have any crash or bad experience. I installed a program with a weird installation process and it worked. Communication with the Mac from inside Parallels works very well.
Updated on Oct 18, 2011
About the persons supporting the product, they seem to be nice guys, but totally lost. Funny because with Norton Internet Security on my PC, I dealt with persons located in those countries and I was very impressed. They solved my problem by taking control of my machine or telling me exactly what to do. Perhaps, they should change the companies giving the support or think about buying them some Mac, so they learn the basics. -
"crashes, slow not ready for prime time and never will"
Version: Parallels Desktop 6.0.12094
Pros
I guess you can run windows sort of??
Cons
NO customer support
Summary
save your money
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"Parallels will crash beware! Backup your Windows!!"
Version: Parallels Desktop 6.0.12094
Pros
Ease of switching back and forth from MAC to Windows
Cons
Unstable on the MAC system and tends to crash your VM OS easily. Also slows the MAC sys down.
Summary
I used to be a big supporter of Parallels. I was first out of the gate to buy it and started with version 3. While using Version 3 my OS crashed within the VM environment about 3-4 times. of course they have support FAQs to get you back up. I then upgraded my MAC to Snow Leopard and it crippled Parallels. Version 3 will not run on MACS Snow Leopard. So I had to purchase version 6 (80.00) so I could get back online again. I had to reinstall my XP OS again. Now since I have had Version 6 my system has crashed within the VM environment for about the 3rd time now. Guess what... It's still down and will stay that way until I find a better software. I may try out VM Ware.
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