Parallels: There are alternatives
On a Mac, you can't just use Windows through | Parallels Desktop. There are also some alternatives that are worth a look. We present you the best programs.
Parallels Alternative 1: Best performance with Boot Camp
With Boot Camp, Apple offers a way to install Windows on Mac.
- With Boot Camp, you can set up Windows alongside OS X on a Mac. When you start the computer, you can then choose which operating system you want to start.
- Unlike Parallels Desktop, the Apple software is free of charge. You only have to purchase the Windows license.
- The boot camp solution also has the advantage that the operating system that is started has the full performance of the Mac. It is therefore particularly suitable if you want to play under Windows or if you want to perform graphically complex tasks such as video editing.
- However, with Boot Camp you cannot use Windows and OS-X programs in parallel or exchange files directly between the systems. To change the operating system, the Mac must be restarted.
Parallels Alternative 2: The virtualization competition
In addition to Parallels Desktop, other virtualization programs are also available. Although these result in performance losses, they enable the simultaneous use of Windows and OS-X programs.
- VMware Fusion software offers a similar range of functions to Parallels Desktop. You can run Windows in a separate program window as well as individual Windows programs integrated in OS X. You can also use drag-and-drop to exchange data between Mac and PC.
- With VirtualBox you get a free alternative to Parallels Desktop. The software launches Windows parallel to OS X, but its functionality is limited compared to the paid alternatives. For example, VirtualBox does not allow drag-and-drop for file exchange and does not offer an integrative mode for Windows programs on the Mac.
Parallels Alternative 3: Use Windows programs without an operating system with CrossOver
Unlike with Boot Camp and virtualization software, you do not need a valid Windows version to use CrossOver.
- CrossOver starts Windows programs using an open source Windows emulator. Compatible programs can be started on the Mac without a virtual Windows machine.
- The disadvantage: the software supports very few Windows programs. Operation is also significantly more complicated than that of the competition.
On the next page, we will show you the best tips to switch from Windows to Mac.