Parallels desktop 12.0

Advance utilitys – Shareware – Windows Mac

Seamlessly Run Windows on Your Mac with Parallels Desktop

Pete Milner

01/07/2025

Parallels Desktop offers a user-friendly experience for Mac users looking to run Windows applications without the need for dual-booting, making it a top choice for multitaskers and developers alike.

Parallels Desktop by Advance Utilitys: A Comprehensive Review

Parallels Desktop by Advance Utilitys is a popular software application that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems on their Mac computers. With seamless integration and powerful features, Parallels Desktop provides a virtualization solution that is both efficient and user-friendly.

Key Features:

Easy Installation: Setting up Parallels Desktop is quick and straightforward, allowing users to start running virtual machines in no time.
Multiple Operating System Support: Users can run various operating systems simultaneously, making it convenient for those who require specific software not available on their primary OS.
Seamless Integration: Parallels Desktop integrates seamlessly with macOS, allowing users to switch between operating systems with ease.
Performance: The software offers excellent performance, ensuring smooth operation of virtual machines without significant lag.
Snapshot and Cloning: Users can take snapshots of their virtual machines and clone them for backup or testing purposes.
Time-Saving: Parallels Desktop saves time by eliminating the need to reboot to switch between operating systems, enhancing productivity.

Benefits:

Access to Windows and Linux applications without the need for a separate computer.
Testing software in different environments without affecting the main OS.
Seamless file sharing between virtual machines and the host operating system.
Convenient integration of macOS features within virtual machines for a cohesive user experience.

Drawbacks:

Potential performance impact on the host system, especially when running resource-intensive applications in virtual machines.
Licensing costs for operating systems that need to be purchased separately.
Compatibility issues with specific software or hardware configurations may arise.

Parallels Desktop by Advance Utilitys is a reliable and feature-rich virtualization software that caters to the needs of Mac users requiring access to multiple operating systems. With its ease of use, seamless integration, and robust performance, Parallels Desktop provides a versatile solution for individuals and businesses alike looking to enhance their computing experience.

Overview

Parallels desktop is a Shareware software in the category System Utilities developed by Advance utilitys.

The latest version of Parallels desktop is 12.0, released on 08/10/2008. It was initially added to our database on 12/15/2007.

Parallels desktop runs on the following operating systems: Windows/Mac.

Parallels desktop has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Allows users to run Windows and other operating systems alongside macOS without rebooting.
High performance virtualization with support for graphics-intensive applications and games.
Easy to install and set up with a user-friendly interface.
Seamless integration with macOS features like Drag & Drop, Shared Folders, and Coherence mode.
Regular updates that improve functionality and compatibility with the latest operating systems.
Supports DirectX 11 for better gaming performance.
Offers snapshot feature for easy state management and recovery.

Cons

Can be resource-intensive, requiring a good amount of RAM and CPU power for optimal performance.
Licensing cost can be high compared to free virtualization solutions like VirtualBox or VMware Player.
Some features may be complicated for users without technical knowledge to configure properly.
Compatibility with certain applications may be limited depending on the guest OS used.
May face performance issues if running multiple virtual machines simultaneously.

FAQ

What is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software developed by Advance Utilitys that allows users to run different operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or macOS) on their Mac computers without the need to restart.

How does Parallels Desktop work?

Parallels Desktop uses a technology called hypervisor to create virtual machines on a host computer. It allocates system resources such as CPU, memory, and storage to these virtual machines, allowing them to run simultaneously alongside the host operating system.

What are the advantages of using Parallels Desktop?

Using Parallels Desktop provides a range of benefits, including the ability to run applications that are not natively supported on your Mac, seamless integration between macOS and the guest OS, sharing files and resources between operating systems, and increased flexibility and productivity.

Which operating systems are supported by Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including various versions of Windows, Linux distributions, Chrome OS, and older versions of macOS.

Is Parallels Desktop easy to set up?

Yes, Parallels Desktop offers a user-friendly installation process that guides you through setting up virtual machines with step-by-step instructions. The software also provides pre-configured templates for popular operating systems, making it straightforward to get started.

Can I run Windows applications on my Mac using Parallels Desktop?

Yes, one of the main uses of Parallels Desktop is running Windows applications on a Mac. The software allows you to seamlessly integrate Windows applications into your macOS environment so that they appear and function like native Mac apps.

Is it possible to share files between the host macOS and the guest OS in Parallels Desktop?

Yes, Parallels Desktop provides convenient file sharing capabilities between the host macOS and guest operating systems. You can easily transfer files by dragging and dropping or accessing shared folders.

Can I use my Mac's hardware with the guest operating system?

Parallels Desktop allows you to utilize your Mac's hardware resources, including USB devices, printers, external storage, and even the GPU, with guest operating systems. This enables seamless integration and compatibility.

Does Parallels Desktop support virtualization for developers and testing purposes?

Yes, Parallels Desktop offers robust virtualization capabilities for developers and testing purposes. It allows you to create multiple virtual machines with different configurations and network settings to simulate real-world environments.

Is there support and documentation available for Parallels Desktop?

Yes, Advance Utilitys provides comprehensive support and documentation for Parallels Desktop users. They offer online resources such as knowledge bases, user forums, and technical support to assist with any issues you may encounter.

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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