Why New Mac Users Need Parallels Virtualization Software ?

> So you’ve bought a Mac. You’ve entered the sacred clan of Apple. Now what? How do you function in a world so cluttered by Microsoft? How do you access your old Word documents, your Excel files, and your PowerPoint presentations? What happens to all the software you’ve invested in over the years? Do you just start from scratch?

No. This is why the computer geniuses of the world created parallels. What’s a parallel? A parallel is a way to run Windows applications on your Mac. It is one of the famous desktop virtualization software for Mac computers. It is a program that translates what you already have set up on your Windows computer and makes it easy to use on your new Mac. That way, both Mac and Windows software can run simultaneously.

Not only do parallels allow you to maintain your software, they also let you become slowly accustomed to your new Mac. There are many differences in Mac software versus Windows, and a parallel allows you to add in new learning experiences a little at a time instead of being immediately inundated by all new programs. This will allow you to keep up your productivity, even in the midst of such a drastic change.

Additionally, parallels are vital when it comes to issues like virtual private networks. VPNs often run with Windows-only applications, so having a Mac could leave you cut off. Avoid this issue by adding parallels.
One of the benefits of owning a Mac is the ability to run the Mac favorite OS, Snow Leopard, and have the ability to run others, such as most versions of Linux and really all versions of Windows. Sure, you can use Boot Camp, which has been shipping as part of the Mac OS for some time, and simply boot Windows separately; however, most of the time it may make more sense to run Windows and OS X simultaneously.

Times like when the Mac version of Adobe’s CS suite is running, and perhaps some Mac exclusive software, but you still need to work with Windows only software, such as Visio, Visual Studio, or SQL.

There are different type of compatibility programs, with VMware and Parallels being the most popular. VMware does get the job done; however it does have issues. If you use Microsoft’s Virtual PC (for Windows), and have to move virtual images into your Mac so you can work and explore at home or on the go, you would be unable to move the images and use them with VMware. Parallels, however, is able to recognize and accept images that have been used with Virtual PC without any issues. Parallels accepts every single OS and configuration without issues, the only thing you might run across is that many of virtual images asked to be reactivated or at times even for the product key; which was not a problem since you should have that information.

Not only is Parallels able to recognize those images, but it also takes more advantage of the Mac’s hardware, such as the GPU (graphics); therefore, resulting in better CPU performance – not really slowing down the virtual machine nor the native OS.

VMware and Parallels both get the job done; however, if you’re in the technology industry and need to move virtual images from computer to computer often, than Parallels would be the best choice. Parallels are a very useful tool for new Mac owners, especially if you’ve never had or used a Mac before. Do your research and find out which system will work best for your needs.

source & image credit: http://www.sysprobs.com/

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