Parallels allows Apple users to run Windows on a Mac OS X computer. The software creates a Windows virtual machine that is able to run alongside the native operating system.
Whilst Apple's Bootcamp app creates a bootable copy of Windows. Parallels is different in that it runs Windows within an environment on OS X.
- Parallels Desktop for Mac 11 from Parallels is virtualization software that allows you to run just about any x86-based operating system, including Windows, OS X, and many versions of Linux, directly on your Mac.
- Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows. 30+ tools in a lightweight, powerful, all-in-one application for Mac ® and PC. Easy to use and economical—a whole suite of tools for a fraction of the cost of individual apps, packaged in one simple interface.
- The best way to run Windows on your Mac. So you can’t use it at the same time as OS X; it's Mac or Windows, but not both. With high frame rates and stutter-free audio. Overall, Parallels.
- Parallels Explorer was introduced, which allows the user to browse their Windows system files in Mac OS X without actually launching Windows. A new snapshot feature was included, allowing one to restore their virtual machine environment to a previous state in case of issues.
It tackles Mac OS X computer with very affordable specs. It is a secure system which enables the drivers to create the digital gadget rapidly, and it helps it be easy to jog Windows OS on a Mac computer system. The 14.0.1 version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is available as a free download on our software library. You can run this program on Mac OS X 10.7.0 or later. You can run this program on Mac OS X. Parallels Desktop 9 and Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite (as a guest OS) compatibility. Discussion in 'Mac OS X Guest OS Discussion' started by Andrew@Parallels, Jun 3, 2014. At this time, we do not have information on running Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac on Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
Key features include:
- Ultimate flexibility.
- Retina display support.
- Connect devices.
- One-click performance tuning.
- Office 365 integration.
- Save disc space.
- Travel mode.
- Works with Boot Camp.
Parallels can modify the standard Mac OS X interface, and adds a new window control button for any VMs. Along with the existing buttons that close and minimise windows, Parallels has a new button, which allows you to switch a VM into Coherence mode, thereby hiding the Windows desktop. This then allows any Windows apps to seamlessly sit right on the Mac OS desktop.
A great feature of Parallels that is worth noting, is when you run Windows 10 in Coherence mode, the Windows Action Centre is able to be viewed as a panel, which slides in from the right-hand side of the screen, next to the Notification panel in Mac OS X.
Overall, Parallels is not the only virtualization option that is available for Mac OS X users who need to run Windows apps. It is, however, more of a polished product than the other products. The close integration of both Windows OS and Mac OS provides users the best of both worlds. You can switch easily between apps, regardless of which operating system they were written for, especially using Coherence.Parallels Desktop for Mac lets you run Windows and Windows apps on your Mac, shoulder to shoulder with OS X.
Pros
VM setup choices: With Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can set up a virtual machine by using a Windows 10 disc image; by migrating Windows from a PC, either over a network or from an external hard drive; or by using the version of Windows you installed with Apple's Boot Camp, if you previously went through that process. Or you can run a second copy of OS X, earlier versions of Windows, or Chrome OS in the Parallels virtual machine.
Choice of views: After setup, select how you want to see and work with Windows. If you choose the Coherence view, Parallels folds Windows into OS X, placing a collection of Windows controls in the OS X menu bar and dock, giving you access to the Start menu, Action Center, and System Tray icons. Exiting the Coherence view presents the traditional Windows desktop and apps gathered in a separate window. Either way, it's easy to move between OS X and Windows environments.
Free Parallels Download For Mac Os X
Solid integration: Through Parallels, you have quick access to the Windows 10 Store and the Edge browser and the ability to call on Cortana for help. Copy and paste works seamlessly between environments.
Cons
Almost too well integrated: The Coherence view sweeps away the Windows desktop, but the way it merges the Windows and OS X environments can feel cluttered, with Windows and OS X controls crowded into the menu bar, for example.
Bottom Line
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Parallels Desktop for Mac does a good job of letting you work in the OS X and Windows environments simultaneously, switching between Mac and Windows apps. You have several options for how to blend Windows into OS X, although at times the merged OSes can feel a bit crowded.