Some Mac users have to admit that sometimes they need Windows to do the work or just play some games. As we know we are still bounded by the old Internet Explorer 6, just to check wether our web displayed correctly or not. That's where virtualization application come to rescue, just like Parallels.
Parallels is the first virtualization application on Mac that can run Windows or Unix OS. As far I remembered Parallels was out only after severals weeks Mac intel hit the market. Parallels was applauded by Mac users for its success to run Windows or Unix OS without rebooting Mac.
Now, Parallels hit version 3, full of features, support 3D applications, shared folder that are work without errors, and many more. If you aren't tried Parallels, feel free to try the 15 days trial, Parallels cost $79 for a single license.
Right now Parallels has a promo offer "Back To School", get Parallel for $50, and get iTunes Gif Card if you refer your friend to buy Parallels, your friend will get iTunes gift card too. Win win solution!
You can get the trial from Parallels dekstop website. You must register to get the download link and trial serial number. The serial number will be needed in the installation proccess.
Installation is just like any other Mac, very easy. Input the serial number from the download page. If you don't have it, log-in to Parallel website.
My first attempt is to run Boot Camp from Parallels. The first boot, Parallels was crash. Probably because of VmWare tools, I also have VmWare installed on my MacbookPro. Second boot, Paralles works, and I can log in to WindowsXP Boot Camp.
I like Shared Application feature, with this I can start Mac application from Windows directly, no need to find the application from my Application folder. Nice!
Also, Parallels's shared folder is just work, where others are failed. My VmWare shared folders need a bit tweak in order to get it work. Another plus.
I tried to install a fresh WindowsXP using express install, it works flawlessly. Last tried using VmWare, my installation was froze, but not with Parallels. Express install is where we enter Windows serial number and information in advance before installing Windows. Thus, make installing Windows faster.
In the first time I log-in to the Fresh WindowsXP, Parallels tools are automatically installing. In VmWare i have to manually install the tools. After Parallels tools installed, Windows will reboot, and i can use the coherence mode instantly.
Installing Ubuntu Linux no problem. Just have to configure the network to use DHCP, and Ubuntu can surf the web. Other than that there are no problem at all.
The problem is with Fedore Core 9, I was unable to make X11 work. It seems Fedora Core 9 installation module couldn't detect Parallels monitor. Not sure who's to blame.
Parallels is the first virtualization application that support coherence mode (in VmWare it's called Fusion). To make coherence mode to work with multi monitor setup, I have to configure it first.
Running Windows Application also appeared on Mac Dock, which is nice. Oh yes, to make Windows Taskbar disappear I also have to configure it. VmWare does the job better on this area.
Unfortunately I am not a PC gamer. I only have Indonesian online game. For the test, I ran Perfect World Indonesia. Too bad, the image is not so good, and because Parallels is still using DirectX 8 with low memory, the graphic is lag so bad.
If you are considering to play game using Parallels, hold your lust for now. Other virtualization application will no good either. You can check Parallels game compatibility list, mostly are old games.
If you need to run Windows without rebooting your Mac or run Windows only application, Parallels is a perfect mate for you. Installing Windows is a breeze.
Parallels vs VmWare? Both are good, and has good developers behind it. From it's features I choose Parallels over VmWare, I like the Shared applications, and Coherence mode felt more lighter than VmWare fusion.
If you are live in Indonesia, get your chance to get a free license of Parallels. "Go to Make Mac":http://www.makemac.com/2008/09/virtualisasi-menggunakan-parallels/ for more details.
Commenting is closed for this article.
Hi,
Maybe you should consider hiding or blurring the registration informations in the second screenshot ;)
I’m also using Parallels Desktop with 5 VMs (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Ubuntu, Solaris, Fedora) and it works like a charm.
Pierre-Arnaud
By Pierre-Arnaud Marcelot @ 5.09.08I have edited the serial number. Screenshot will looks ugly with blurry text, so i use other method.
By kuswanto @ 5.09.08