Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM)
The Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software from Parallels is a software package for Intel Macs that allows you to configure and run virtual machines from within OS X. You'll be able to run Windows, DOS, Linux, and other x86 operating systems side-by-side from within OS X. This is an excellent choice for web and systems developers, or professionals who need to use Windows-only applications on a Mac.
- Virtual Machines
- Parallels allows you to configure and install any number of virtual machines. You'll be able to install Windows, DOS, Linux, BeOS, OS/2, or any other x86-based operating system that strikes your fancy. You can even virtualize Mac OS X Leopard Server, making this a great option for network administrators. You'll need to own a licensed copy of any operating system you wish to install via Parallels.
- Coherence Mode
- Parallels features a "coherence mode," which allows you to run Windows applications directly on your OS X desktop. You'll be able to use it to launch a Windows application directly from the dock, and seamlessly access information from both Windows and Mac OS X.
- iPhone Access
- You'll be able to start, stop, and manage Windows virtual machines from your iPhone. This allows you to control Parallels, even when you are away from your computer.
- Transporter
- The Transporter is a tool that allows you to migrate an existing PC system to a Parallels virtual machine. This is a great tool for users who are making the "switch" from a PC to the superior Mac OS X system. The Transporter works with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, and Linux.
- Installation Assistant
- The Installation Assistant tool walks you through the steps of configuring a virtual machine in Parallels. The Assistant takes a three-step approach to setting up a virtual machine, ensuring that the operation will be as painless as possible.
- Smart Select
- Smart Select allows you to associate any Windows or Mac application with any file type on your system. This allows you to work with files with your application of choice, regardless of which operating system it runs on.
- Snapshots
- We've all deleted a file by accident, or mistakenly installed a software program that renders our system useless at one point or another. Snapshots allow you to create a record of your virtual machine as it was created; this allows you to "roll back" to the previous version in case something stops working unexpectedly.
- Explorer
- The Parallels Explorer allows you to access Windows files and folders directly from the OS X desktop. This feature lets you easily find files and documents, browse your Windows system, and even gives you access to Windows documents in the event of a Windows system crash.
- 3D Graphics Support
- Feel like playing a graphics-intensive, 3D video game on your Mac? Parallels offers full support for DirectX and OpenGL graphics. You'll be able to play Windows-only games, such as Half-life and World of Warcraft, with the 3D hardware acceleration that is built into your Mac. It also supports professional 3D applications, such as AutoCAD 2008.
| Application | Virtualization |
| Compatibility | Intel Macs |
| System Requirements |
Computer: Intel Mac Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.11, 10.5.2 Memory: 1GB (2GB recommended for Vista) Hard Drive: 450MB (15GB per virtual machine recommended) Hardware: CD-ROM drive Display: 16-bit or 32-bit display adapter Internet connection required for software updates |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to install (11)
- Easy to navigate (9)
- Good power output (8)
- Fast (7)
- Great value (7)
Cons
- Slows down system (4)
Best Uses
- Home use (6)
- Educational purposes (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (9)
- Primary use:
- Business (6), Personal (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
The possibilities have become endless
Not that macintosh doesn't already make the best computers ever, but now all my old PC software, as well as connecting my computer easily to my work remote web server through Internet Explorer, is...Read complete review
Not that macintosh doesn't already make the best computers ever, but now all my old PC software, as well as connecting my computer easily to my work remote web server through Internet Explorer, is easier than ever thanks to Parallels. Easy to set up and easy to use!! And the best thing....no rebooting is necessary, it opens right beside all my other applications. Woo-woo!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nicely integrated Virtual Machine
Even with only 1 gig of memory was able to run an existence of windows that ran well. I was impressed with the coherence mode where it integrates Windows so that it feels like an...Read complete review
Even with only 1 gig of memory was able to run an existence of windows that ran well. I was impressed with the coherence mode where it integrates Windows so that it feels like an extension of the Mac OS.
I had trouble installing one intensive game I was trying to play, but with the low memory and video that I was alloting to the existence running there wasn't much to hope for.
I expect on a larger machine with fast dual core and over 4 gigs of ram that this software would be truly amazing.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Since I became Mac user I use window application very rare, but still using Parellel could be very helpfull to open and work on file with window extansion. Parallel is easy to use
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Slows Down System
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Home Use
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Use Parallels desktop for running XP, Vista, Win 7, Linux side by side with the MAC OS.
Run alternate OS in full screen.
Coherence View provides Windows application on MAC Desktop.
Share documents and files across OS.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
I just converted my travel computer from PC/Windows laptop to Macbook pro 13"! Still have Tons of PC only programs (coming from 15 years of PC use). Having the ability to use this virual PC on my Mac is the best! Mind you i don't rely on Windows anymore but it is nice to have it around when i need it.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
There are still some applications only for windows. Case solved!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Great Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Boot camp (Apple's solution to running Windows on a Mac) is a real pain to install. I consider myself extremely Mac savvy, but don't know Windows well at all. Parallels made the Windows installation very Mac-like. Easy like it should be. And the added benefit is you can run Windows and Mac OS simultaneously without having to restart out of Mac OS.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Home Use
- Multimedia
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Love Love Love my new first computer. I use the product for work and for fun. Love the look of the desktop. don't have any complaints at all!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comes with Kapersky
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Slows Down System
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Home Use
- Multimedia
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Easy installation. Seamless integration. Minor slow down in system when in use.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
It works, but my iMac already has Bootcamp installed. Much easier to use than parallels.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Fast
- Powerful
Cons
- Compatibility Issues
- Slows Down System
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Home Use
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Now there is ZERO need to have a Windows machine, and no need to deal with dual-boot configs. Parallels makes it easy. I recommend snagging a torrent of a TinyXP install image that offers a much smaller install space.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Powerful
Cons
- Keyboard
Best Uses
- NEED WIN BUT LOVE MAC
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
I have to use windows to run Autocad and Rhynoceros! Parallels works great the only thing I have to say is as MAC dosent have the save DEL button as a windows Machine, u will have to configure a key for that or use the command line!!
Other than that I am very impress with the work flow u can get whit this software!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Compatibility Issues
- Slows Down System
Best Uses
- Home Use
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Even with only 1 gig of memory was able to run an existence of windows that ran well. I was impressed with the coherence mode where it integrates Windows so that it feels like an extension of the Mac OS.
I had trouble installing one intensive game I was trying to play, but with the low memory and video that I was alloting to the existence running there wasn't much to hope for.
I expect on a larger machine with fast dual core and over 4 gigs of ram that this software would be truly amazing.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Easy To Navigate
- Fast
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Clumsy multi-user sharing
Best Uses
- Home Use
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
So far I have used it exclusively for Linux. The Parallels install, the VM creation, and the subsequent Ubuntu install were fast, easy, painless and complete ... everything worked, no exceptions ... I have had miscellaneous little problems with previous attempts to get Linux running. This was fantastic.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Good Value
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software for Mac OS X (OEM):
Not that macintosh doesn't already make the best computers ever, but now all my old PC software, as well as connecting my computer easily to my work remote web server through Internet Explorer, is easier than ever thanks to Parallels. Easy to set up and easy to use!! And the best thing....no rebooting is necessary, it opens right beside all my other applications. Woo-woo!
Displaying reviews 1-13
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