1. Parallels Or Bootcamp For Mac

Jul 12, 2016 Hi there, I'm currently running Windows 10 in Parallels Bootcamp mode and it works great. I'll soon be setting up a machine for a new hire and was wondering if there's a difference in performance between Bootcamp mode and running Windows in a regular virtual machine. Apr 30, 2019  Parallels Desktop is the fastest and friendliest way to run Windows apps on a Mac for the majority of users who are likely to want to do so. IT pros may prefer VMware Fusion; expert users who want. Mar 23, 2018  Alright, so I am in the market to buy my first gaming computer, however, for work (and also personal preference) I need a Mac. My idea is, to buy the 21.5 inch iMac, with a Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB. What I would like to do is use the iMac as my daily computer, and boot into Bootcamp for gaming, and use Parallels for other tasks that I need a PC for. I own a 2.4GHZ Macbook Pro (not the one that just recently got updated). I have about 94Gig's left free on it, and i have a 500gig external harddrive. I absolutely love Mac OSX, it works so well, and i rarely ever have problems. However i've been recently wanting to play games and Mac Gaming.

Hello and welcome to my User Tip

I wrote this because we get a lot of questions what would be the best way to run Windows on a Mac.

1. OS X Parallels vs BootCamp for. The MBA we have for parallels gaming and would do bootcamp on it, but it's just not a powerful computer. IV using a Aspyr Mac.
2. Feb 28, 2019 macOS Metal vs Windows 10 DirectX. Join the Mac Gaming Community on Discord. Game Performance: macOS vs Bootcamp vs Parallels vs VMware Fusion - Duration: 6:36. MrMacRight 42,986 views.

If one PC program or so, you can check if it will run well in the program called Wine, but it might be a hassle and problematic.

If one PC program or so, you can check if it will run fine in the program called Codeweavers, but it might be a hassle and problematic.

You can run a paid commercial virtual machine program (Parallels or VMFusion) that runs Windows/Linux and some OS X versions in a window in OS X, the updates are paid some are more frequent, but it gives more features (copy BootCamp partition to use as a vm for instance) and ease to install. Easy to revert to earlier snapshots of the guest OS. Have to purchase a copy of Windows.

You can run a free virtual machine program (VirtualBox) which will do the job like the commercial ones do (revert snapshots too), but isn't as feature rich, but it is supported in older OS X versions a lot longer than the commercial versions and it is free, so it only nags to update.

You can run Windows in Apple's BootCamp, which partitions the boot drive and you install Windows in there, which gives the best hardware performance as one directly boots into Windows, but you can't use Windows System Restore or other disk/backup utilities but there is WinClone which clones it from OS X to restore later.

BootCamp - Pro's

Full access to the hardware for 3D games and heavier CPU needs

Can run on less powerful Mac hardware

Free, included with all new Mac's.

Easy Mac like setup for BootCamp partition

BootCamp - Con's

More 'geekier' requires more computer knowledge and skills.

Have to boot into OS X or Windows at start time by holding the option key down (to switch if other is set to start first)

Get's malware like a PC, hard to eradicate, may affect OS X

Have to use WinClone to make backups

Have to keep OS X partition on the drive for updates, firmware, repairs.

Harder to fix and repair than a generic PC which third party Windows software designed for

Only supports Windows 7 (recent OS X version supports Windows 8 also.)

Issues with partitioning with bad sectors and/or data on the lower part of the drive

There are plenty of videos on YouTube showing the install method too.

Backing up BootCamped Windows: For cloning/backing up Windows in BootCamp, search for 'WinClone' on MacUpdate.com, runs in OS X.

BootCamp issues:

For bad sector issues and failing to partition: on hard drives, (SSD's not affected). Quit Bootcamp and use Disk Utility from the OS X install Disk or via Recovery HD (hold command r at boot) to Repair the drive two times to make sure.

Then reboot normally and then use Disk Utitity > Erase Free Space > Zero option (not Erase w/Security Option > Zero) and on 10.7 or later 'Zero' in Disk Utility is the slider selection #2 (one space to the right) and make sure it's Erase FREE space only on the Macintosh HD partition only.

Once that's finished, quit and try partitioning BootCamp in the BootCamp Utility again.

Can't parititon/move files issue: For data on the lower part of the hard drive (not SSD's) that inhibits the creation/size of the BootCamp partition, requires backing up User data, cloning OS X partition off to a external drive, erasing the OS X internal drive partition of data and reverse cloning the OS X data back on.

Virtual Machine software - Pro's

Runs guest OS in a window on OS X, more friendly to new users and those not sure yet.

You download the game and play it without any microtransactions or extra strings. There are free-to-play online games like Path Of Exile and Destiny 2 of course, but there are also some choice indie gems to dig up. We've rounded up a list of the best games you can add to your Steam library entirely free.The free games section includes games the are totally free. You might even be surprised by the variety available. Free multiplayer steam games that work with mac and pc.

Easy to switch from OS X to Windows to Linux back and forth, as many operating systems as your RAM can support.

Commercial versions of VM software can copy presently installed BootCamp and use that Windows in OS X for best of both BootCamp AND virtual machine versions.

Easier to use, 'snapshots' of Guest OS state can be reverted back to in seconds for updates/malware issues.

Runs most any OS version, Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Linux's, OS X Server editions only (VMed Lion in Lion, ok)

Run more than one Guest OS at a time with enough RAM and drive space

Easier to use for most lightweight guest OS programs, no need to dual boot, run guest OS like a file in a program.

Some integration possibilities, copy and paste, shared folders etc between the two or more OS's

Easier to get out of trouble via the virtual machine software or OS X 'Force Quit'

Virtual Machine software - Con's

Guest OS doesn't have access to the hardware, no Direct X, 3D animation limited /slowed apx 1/5th speed as native boot, really only shows on 3D games etc.

Requires more RAM, more powerful machine: 4+ cores, 4GB+ RAM, dedicated video card preferred. (2 cores 2GB RAM possible but not recommended)

Have to share RAM and cores with OS X

Can't run OS X client versions (except Lion in Lion) as Apple asked them not too.

Note: I scaled the virtual machines windows down for effect, they can be full size or larger

More advice in this User Tip here

Parallels Or Bootcamp For Mac

Pretty convinced that your Mac can do it all? Think again! Some of your favorite apps are still only available on Windows. Well, who said you can’t get both on one system? There are a lot of virtualization apps available which could make Windows and Mac running side by side possible.

However, choosing one which suits your needs is the one you need to stress on. Some of the popular choices are VirtualBox, VMware and Parallels. Each of these has its benefits and flaws and perform better than others in different use cases.

In this post, we will compare these three popular options, VMware, VirtualBox and Parallels to run Windows on Mac. Let’s get started!

First, let’s talk about Virtual Machines in brief.

A Virtual machine (VM) is a program or image which acts an emulation of a computer system. The Virtual Machine is based on computer architecture and operates as a physical computer.

It is one of the best ways to run Windows on a Mac, therefore eliminating the need for actual physical hardware. With VM, a user can install Windows, Linux or any other OS in a window on Mac. Windows stay under the impression that it is running on a real computer however, it is running within software on Mac.

The virtual machine is the best choice for those who want to use another operating system for testing beta releases, accessing infected files, creating OS backup, and more.

VMware Vs VirtualBox Vs Parallels: Which One To Choose?

VMware Fusion 11

It is available for $79.99 and can be used on unlimited Macs. It comes with various options to make changes in your virtual machine. However, when it comes to installation, it seems a bit tricky.

VirtualBox

Despite being the free VMware software, VirtualBox is loaded with various customization options for your virtual machines. Judging from the features, it doesn’t have anything fancy unlike other two but it solves the purpose.

Parallels

Parallels not only share the same price range with VMware Fusion 11 but has similar features. However, the installation process is quite simple and also Parallels guides you throughout. It is one of the best solutions for home users, who simply don’t want another machine to run another operating system.

So, let’s move forward and know which one is better for you!

Installation Process

Well, the installation process is just not installing the app on the system, it is beyond that. The easier the setup is, the more it is likely to be used.

So, up comes first, VMware Fusion 11, the installation window comes with on-screen instructions and guides you throughout. In case you have Boot Camp partition, it enables you to import it.

Parallels provides thorough steps to help ease the installation process. During the setup, it provides you with an option to optimize Parallels for gaming or productivity automatically. You can choose or skip to go to the next step.

VirtualBox, is rather a simple interface and you set up and create a virtual machine and choose the operating system, be it Windows, Linux or other. You get options to change system settings, memory, video memory taken up by the new OS. Once done, you can install the operating system as you normally do, i.e. by using USB, installation disc or ISO file.

Though, they are all easy to install, however due to thorough guide during the installation, Parallels is better than the other two mentioned. Therefore, the point goes to Parallels in terms of user-friendly interface.

Features That Make Them Stand Out

With the same basic functionality, each one of them has its own perks, a bunch of features which makes them different.

Windowed Mode: Coherence/Unity/Seamless Mode

All three apps come with Windowed Mode, which means it enables to run Windows app in its window on your Mac, making it look like Mac’s native app. Though the name for the feature is different, for Parallels, it is Coherence, for VMware, it is Unity and in VirtualBox, it is called Seamless Mode.

When you open an app in this mode, it allows you to basic edit functions, like copy and paste between Mac and Windows app. Also, you can change the size and move apps.

Windows Apps On Dock

Except for VirtualBox, both VMware and Parallels enable to access Windows programs straight from the Dock, easing the whole process. You need to open the virtual machine and then access apps in VirtualBox.

Supports Gaming & Access To Cortana

VMware and Parallels, both enable you to access Cortana (even if Windows is not in focus) to give a voice command. They also support DirectX 10 which allows running most of the games (good performance not promised). VirtualBox lacks this one as well. It simply functions to let Windows run on Mac.

Parallels comes with Quick Look feature in Windows, however, VMware and VirtualBox miss that feature.

Performance and Benchmarks

Virtual machine share resources with the host OS, therefore, performance holds an important place. TekRevue benchmarked all three apps on different parameters.

As per benchmark tests, VMware Fusion 11 is superior to the others in the list in almost all category. Whereas VirtualBox is far behind

Test Setup & Methodology, Geekbench, 3DMark, Cinebench 315 and 14 different tests were performed, VMware outperforms in most of the tests, especially related to graphics.

However, when it comes to performance, Parallels tops the chart in the tests related to CPU.

To sum it up, Parallels is best when it comes to transferring files, boot faster and saves battery life. However, VMware is best when it comes to gaming and 3D graphics. About the third one in the list, VirtualBox is far behind when it comes to either gaming or CPU related tests.

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Conclusion

Just looking to run Windows app on your Mac without any significant CPU uses or graphically induced, then VirtualBox will do your work. Moreover, the app is free. However, the other options operating in the same fashion are paid versions. The difference between them is the price and how many Macs it can be installed on.

If your purpose is to run games and 3D tools on Windows, you should incline towards VMware. However, you want to get productivity software, the one which also consume less battery life, then Parallels is the best option in the category.

However, every year, all of these software comes with new features and you need to get an annual license to continue experiencing the features and add-ons. This is an expensive deal, but if you use Virtual Machine for professional purposes, you should choose the paid version.

Though, for home use or now and then business uses, you can use VirtualBox and also try your hands-on Parallels and VMware Fusion (trial version) to decide which could be best for you.

Want to get Virtual Machine for free, VirtualBox should be your choice, but productivity you yearn then go for Parallels. Gaming is what interests you, then VMware is it!

Facts About Virtual Machine on A System

Setup Can Be Tricky

While installation, the steps can be a bit tricky and getting Windows running is difficult depending on the platform you choose as a host.

1. One of them is Windows can’t be installed using a flash drive on some platforms.
2. Not all the platforms install drivers on their own
3. Not all the installation tutorials are clear and this can be problematic.

Virtual Machine Run Slower Than Machine It Hosts

Software simulation of a computer can’t perform the same as the host system. After all, the host and VM share the same CPU, disk space and RAM. In case, you are installing Windows directly on your Mac via Boot Camp, the VM will get 100% access to all CPU resources. You need CPU resources when it comes to productivity and performance. With every year upgrade, VMware companies are trying to make them work with similar speed as of native one and it is undoubtedly getting better.

Protection Against Malware

A general misconception that Mac doesn’t get infected. However, with advanced technology, hackers have their way into Mac as well. Therefore, nothing is 100% safe. So, if you are about to run Windows on Mac, you need to have reliable antivirus software on it.

You Need To Get Windows license

To run Windows on your Mac, you need a Windows license apart from Virtual Machine app. However, you need Linux or MacOS, you get it for free.

Do You Want It?

If you are happy with your current operating system and don’t wish to get another operating system to run apps, then you don’t need virtualization software. Confused whether you want it or not?

Go through the checklist to be sure:

1. If you want to run Windows apps on the Mac, use VM.
2. Want to use Mac but have Windows OS instead, use a virtual machine to get the experience.
3. If exploring new websites, software and operating system is what fascinates you, then you can use virtual machines and switch between the operating systems with ease.
4. Testing a new app, however, not sure how it will behave, install it on VM. That way, even if the app crashes, it will not affect the host computer.
5. If you develop apps for the older versions of OS, you can’t update the app. You can install that version of the operating system on VM.
6. If you are a web developer and want to check how your website will look on browsers on another operating system, then getting a suitable VM for that will work.

If any of these comes to your list of work or desire, then you can get Virtualization apps and enjoy running Windows or any operating system on a host computer.

So, if you have decided to get a Virtual Machine, choose any of these,

If you want enriched graphics and powerful gaming, GetVMware–

If you want to conserve battery life and more productivity, then Get Parallels-

If your only means is to run two operating system on a computer, then Download VirtualBox–

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