Parallels or VMware?

I recently bought Parallels at the recommendation of someone in a tech store (an employee). It runs really well, but I'm wondering If I made the right choice. So, what do you think; Parallels or VMware?

parallels windows fusion virtual machine mac vmware

asked Aug 16 '10 at 12:18

techhelp101
91●1●2●6

9 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

I use VMWare Fusion on my Mac, but it isn't anything too exciting. Just another virtualization program. It does allow you to run Windows apps on your Mac without the whole Windows desktop (it just hides the desktop after booting up), so that's a plus. I don't have any virtual machines in it at the moment though, since I have a relatively tiny hard drive on my Mac mini.

Personally, I'd recommend Wine. It's a compatibility layer that lets you run .exe files on your Mac natively. It does require a bit of terminal knowledge, and can be a bit tricky, and doesn't always support all the programs you'd want to use, but it gets the job done pretty well. If you wanna know how to get it installed on your Intel-based Mac, check out this article (and no, I don't get payed for you using that link).

answered Aug 17 '10 at 02:11

GavinRoskamp
1.0k●6●11●23

I actually like the ability to see the Windows desktop, so I wouldn't consider that a plus for VMware (I think the Windows desktop is better than that on Mac OS X 10.6, and Parallel's has the ability to run it without the desktop, already).

It looks like Wine is free, but I already spent the money on Parallel's, and it doesn't seem as good (not being able to run certain programs, not having the desktop (my preference), having to know code etc.). I wouldn't switch to VMware if it makes you not have the desktop open. Is it a possibility to show the desktop?

(Aug 17 '10 at 12:38) techhelp101

Use WineBottler removes the need to use code, and it can even compile a program for Mac that has all of Wine built in.

(Aug 19 '10 at 13:18) DanielHep

You've already made an investment in Parallels, but there is also http://www.virtualbox.org/ as a free option. You could try it out to see if it has the speed/utility you need.

answered Aug 17 '10 at 11:24

mentalfloss
71●1●4

Thanks for the recommendation. I might download it and try it out, to see if I want to switch over.

(Aug 17 '10 at 12:43) techhelp101

Honestly, Parallels for Mac is the best choice. Have you tried Chrom OS yet? What operating systems do you have running on your virtual machines?

answered Aug 16 '10 at 16:37

YamazaruNinja
3.2k●86●101●141

I'm running Windows 7 as a virtual machine (I got it because I play competitive chess, and none of the strong chess program's run on a Mac). I haven't tried Chrome OS, although I'd really like to. I don't know how to try the beta. Can you help me with that?

(Aug 16 '10 at 17:56) techhelp101

I need help with that too.

(Aug 19 '10 at 13:18) DanielHep

I figured out how to get Chrome OS in it's current beta form. All you have to do is go to Parallels Desktop-Files-Download Chrome OS. After you've downloaded and launched it, it will ask you for your username and password. Simply enter in your Google account information, and it will give you access to Google's new OS.

Unfortunately, it crashes a lot and is extremely slow at the moment (as it makes you download it with very little MB, and it's not quite done yet), so I wouldn't recommend using it. It might be fun to try it out, though.

(Sep 05 '10 at 15:33) techhelp101

I've never had a Mac so I can't really give you much advice. I started out with Windows Virtual PC and then moved to VirtualBox.

I've never tried either of the emulation programs you need advice on but if they do have trials, check them out. See which one fits best for what you want to use them for.

answered Aug 16 '10 at 16:40

edgy
2.1k●20●32●51

I know how to use Parallel's, so I don't really need help with that. I already bought Parallel's, anyways, so I wouldn't buy VMware right after. Just wanted to know if I made the right choice, hopefully help other people who might have the same question, and to keep in mind so I know whether to upgrade to Parallel's 6 when it comes out, or to, at that point, make the switch over.

(Aug 16 '10 at 18:00) techhelp101

I prefer VMware over parallels.

(Aug 19 '10 at 13:19) DanielHep

To DanielHep:

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Could you also tell me why is it that you like VMware more than Parallels?

(Sep 05 '10 at 15:36) techhelp101

If you want a high quality virtual machine for your Mac, I would recommend Parallel's.

answered Aug 16 '10 at 18:19

NathanaelFoo
186●14●19●25

Thanks for giving your opinion, I'm glad you think I made the right choice. Have you tried VMware, also? What do you like about Parllel's that you don't about VMware Fusion?

(Aug 17 '10 at 12:26) techhelp101

They both offer free trials, try both and decide.

answered Aug 16 '10 at 23:05

nso95
406●9●13●19

I already bought Parllel's, so I wouldn't do the free trial for it. I've already seen through screencast what VMware is like, so I don't feel the need to do their trial, especially as it's over the internet and I'm pretty certain it wouldn't be as fast as the actual thing, and since their features are pretty similar, speed is my primary concern in deciding. I'm taking them up on their $9.99 upgrade offer. Will see how it goes.

(Sep 27 '10 at 19:56) techhelp101

0	Why someone would take a concept which incorporates cross platform mobility and reduce it's functionality is beyond me. Paralells is only for Mac. This is not a virtual machine option which should even be considered answered Aug 17 '10 at 08:41 Outleradam 46●1●2●4

The idea of a vm is a computer independent of the physical constraints of the hardware. Using parallels puts those constraints back in place.

VirtualBox or VMWare

answered Aug 17 '10 at 08:44

Outleradam
46●1●2●4

I actually like that Parallel's shows me the desktop (I think that's what you're talking about), as I really like the features of Windows 7 over those of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

Can you tell if my interpretation of what you said is correct, and whether you like VirtualBox or VMware better?

(Aug 17 '10 at 12:42) techhelp101

I know I was the one who asked this question, so I really shouldn't give an answer, but I e-mailed Chris asking him:

"Hey Chris, I've noticed a few videos that you've previously done where you recommend buying VM Ware Fusion as opposed to Parallel's. I don't understand the benefits of each specific system, and I looked for a previous video comparing them, but the latest of those was in 2008. Could you please explain the pros and cons of each and why you like VMware better? From, Daniel Johnston"

And he responded:

**"http://go.tagjag.com/vmware - faster. :)"**

Right now VMware has a deal where if you order the 3.1 version of their service as a previous Parallels or VMware Fusion user, you get it for only $9.99 as opposed to about $60, so I've ordered it and I'll be able to see firsthand which works better; at least for my needs.

answered Sep 05 '10 at 15:41

techhelp101
91●1●2●6

edited Sep 27 '10 at 19:54

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