Fusion vs Parallels vs Boot Camp

I am getting ready to switch over to Mac but have some programs that either do not run on Mac or from reading reviews, the Mac version is not as good ad the Windows version (Quicken). I preferr either Parelles or Fusion so I do not have to reboot. Any recomendations?

Hi Robert,
for feature comparison of Parallels and Fusion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparisonof_VMware_Fusion_and_ParallelsDesktop
Benchmarks: http://www.mactech.com/articles/mactech/Vol.25/25.04/VMBenchmarks/index-001.html
Personally I use Parallels since it was Beta (mainly because it was the first in the market) and had no problem with it.
Best is to see for yourself, since both offer time-delimited trial versions.
Regards
Stefan

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VMware Fusion vs. Parallels (with Boot Camp) -- help please!

Hello. I have just reinstalled Mac OS X (Leopard) on my MacBook and am looking to install Windows XP SP2. I will be installing a Boot Camp partition -- I know that much -- but I also want to use Parallels or Fusions so that I have the option of running the Boot Camp partition within OS X. Somehow, over my years as a Mac user, I have acquired both of these applications (Fusion and Parallels), and I was wondering if anyone has any information on the differences between the two. Two questions:
1.) As I just mentioned, I'm just looking for any information on the differences between the two apps -- what features one offers that the the other doesn't -- why I might want to choose one over the other -- and so forth.
2.) Since I have both apps, would it be possible to have both installed at the same time? In other words, could I have both Fusion and Parallels installed on my computer, and then, when it comes time to open Windows, choose which app I want to open and use? (not sure there'd be any point to this, but just in theory, could it be done?)
Thanks in advance -- any info in regard to either question is much appreciated.

Thanks for the replies. Although I've never used Fusion before, I've installed Parallels with Boot Camp partition three or four times before on this computer, and it has always worked great for me, so I know I want to use Boot Camp. And as far as the application goes, sounds like I'll be using Parallels, mainly because it's what I'm used to. That Wikipedia link was exactly what I was looking for -- I had checked Wikipedia before I posted the topic here, but I didn't find that comparison page. Anyways, they look about the same (Parallels and Fusion, that is) for anything I'd be concerned with, but where there were any differences, they seemed to work in favor of Parallels (except for Linux-related features, in which Fusion seemed to have the upper hand, but I don't use Linux). So, again, thanks for taking the time to respond -- much appreciated. Have a good one.

Parallel vs Boot Camp

Let me first start by saying I am a newbie to the mac, but I am enjoying the experience so far. The only PC program that I currently miss and need to get back to is MS Money. That would be the only program that I would be interested in running, everything else is fine...so what would the suggestions be, run parallels or boot camp. I know just enough about computer to be dangerous.
Thanks
Newbie
PS I have an intel based imac running 10.5.5

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
for only using MS Money I would really suggest to use a Virtualization app like Parallels, VMWare Fusion or VirtualBox (which currently is free to use).
With MS Money speed is not as important as ease-to-use and with any of the a.m. apps you don't have to reboot your Mac in order to run Windows.
Best approach to this would be to use VirtualBox to install Windows and MS Money and see how it works for you before spending money on one of the other two.
http://www.virtualbox.org/
Regards
Stefan

Better to use Parallels or Boot Camp?

Hey there,
I've been reading where Parallels 6 "has been shown on average to run 40 percent faster than last year's edition, according to people familiar with the matter. Those same people said that the upgrade -- expected to retail for the same $79.99 price as its predecessor -- will also feature Windows boot times that are roughly two times faster than version 3.1 of its primary competitor: VMWare Fusion."
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/09/08/parallels6_to_run_40_faster_launch_windows_2x_faster_thanfusion.html
I'm curious as to whether it's better to run Windows 7 through Parallels or Boot Camp from a performance issue? If I want to play the new Civ 5 game, will I get better performance through Parallels or Boot Camp?
Thanks!
Eric Nanneman

If you want to play a game, you'll need Bootcamp. 3D performance leaves a lot to be desired in both Parallels and VMWare.
On another note, I really expect that Civ 5 will be released for Mac.
Regards,
-Ryan

Parallels or boot camp and internet connections

hi.
i have a macbook and i just purchased a new usb modem made by a company called zte, model mz 16 if it matters. i live in india and bought the modem through a mobile phone company called airtel which, unsurprisingly, only offers drivers and support for windows machines.
any suggestions on where i can get a driver? or, perhaps. will it work on parallels or boot camp? meaning, if i can install the software via parallels or boot camp can i surf on my mac os rather than in the windows interface?
thanks for your advice.

*"any suggestions on where i can get a driver? "*
ZTE would need to provide the drivers and if they don't make them then you're out of luck.
*"if i can install the software via parallels or boot camp can i surf on my mac os rather than in the windows interface?"*
No. You'll only be able to surf in Windows if you isntalled the drivers into your installation of Boot Camp.

Parallels to Boot Camp migration

I want to migrate from parallels to Boot Camp and do not want to lose my Outlook email or files I have creasted. Anyone have suggestions or has anyone done this with success? Thanks,
Michael

I'm still looking for this too...
Its a real pain in the tush, you still can't convert a parallels disk into a boot camp partition.
Parallels and VMware can't share the same image.
but both can boot off a boot camp partition.
VMware and Parallels can't read eachothers disk format, but can convert it into their own.
Its a messed up world we live in...

Would i be better off using parallels than boot camp

IS it easier to install parallels than boot camp?, Inonly want to be able to use the windows based version of Quicken

For $79 retail (or less) Parallels will give you the convenience of running your PC programs concurrently with your Mac programs. Bootcamp will require a reboot each time you want to switch environments.
You are aware that Intuit sells Quicken 2007 for Lion, Mt.Lion, Mavericks for $15?
http://quicken.intuit.com/personal-finance-software/quicken-2007-osx-lion.jsp

I just switched from pc to mac. what is the best way to keep Windows? Parallel or Boot camp?

I have just switched from pc to mac. What is the best way to keep Windows, Parallel of Boot camp?

Parallels should be able to handle that without any problems.
There is a version of both of those that will run on the Mac. So you might consider upgrading to that version instead of going with Windows on your Mac.
Allan

Windows XP and Parallels or Boot Camp

I'd like to run Windows on my Mac. I have a Windows XP Home Edition disc in my restoration discs from Gateway. Can I use this disc when I install Parallels or Boot Camp when it asks to insert my Windows disk? Thanks.

Where is the Gateway? You can't re-use a license for Windows on more than one machine. Since your Gateway license is OEM, you can't legally use it on anything but that Gateway. The disk may or may not work. There is no way to tell. You definitely won't be able to activate unless the Gateway is definitively dead.
My advice is to get yourself a new, legal license for XP from NewEgg for $137 (XP Pro) or $100 (XP Home). Newegg sells legal OEM versions that are usable. Don't buy anything from Craigslist or eBay.

Parallels Desktop, Boot camp or something else

I am wanting to run Windows on my MacBook Pro - but didn't know what route to go. Has anyone tried Parallels, Fusion, boot camp, etc - What are the pros/cons of them. I am currently running Tiger on mine.
And just to make sure...I do have to my Windows XP correct - Is there a packaged deal out there where you buy boot camp and XP?
THANKS!

Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak 2 or Vista. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
5. Last is Q. Q is a freeware emulator that is compatible with Intel Macs. It is much slower than the virtualization software, Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion.
Boot Camp is only available with Leopard. The Boot Camp Beta that was used with Tiger has expired and is no longer available for use. So contrary to the other poster's comment, Boot Camp isn't truly "free." You must purchase Leopard to get it.

3DS Max On Parallels or Boot Camp?

Hi,
I want to install 3DS Max and go back forth between 3DS max and other programs. I installed a 30 trail on Parallels and it goes really slow, I haven't even tried to render. On the other hand, if I install it on Boot Camp, I would have to go back and forth and it would be a pain. Would anyone know how get 3Ds Max to run better on Parallels or an easier solution than going back and forth from Boot Camp? Also, is it possible to connect an ethernet cable to PC to the mac and go back and forth?
Thanks a lot!,
Zevie

I would think you should at least give Boot Camp a test drive. The problem with either Parallels or Fusion is the sharing resources part. It's great for jumping back and forth but system resources can get stretched thin in a hurry.
I'm pretty sure that in Parallels your video performance is going to be a serious issue. In a virtualized environment like Parallels or Fusion this video performance is fine for Word, Excel, Acrobat etc., but doesn't come close in apps that require a big contribution from the video card.
If it's Vista that you loaded via Parallels, then check the Windows Experience Index that can tell you a lot about system performance.

Running Windows, Parallels? Boot Camp?

I've used boot camp very successfully with my mac desktop, but I'm hoping to receive a macbook (the black one) for christmas, and I'm hoping for a better option when using windows. I tried parallels with one of my older, clunkier macs (the one that's full of my movies, music, etc.) and it ran very slow, and it was nearly impossible to run other programs alongside it. Has anyone else had this problem, or is it fairly easy for you to run Parallels with other programs? I really love the malleability of parallels compared to boot camp. The idea of partitioning a large portion of my hard drive in a fairly permanent way is not very appealing to me. Any suggestions?

Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak 2 or Vista. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
5. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not yet fully developed for the Mac - some features are not yet implemented - but it does work otherwise.
6. Last is Q. Q is a freeware emulator that is compatible with Intel Macs. It is much slower than the virtualization software, Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion.
Boot Camp is only available with Leopard. The Boot Camp Beta that was used with Tiger has expired and is no longer available for use. So contrary to the other poster's comment, Boot Camp isn't truly "free." You must purchase Leopard to get it.

Parallels Desktop/Boot Camp - USB Printer/Ext HD Access?

I am able to access my printer and ext hd via AirPort Extreme when I load into the Mac OS. However, I can only print/view files from the Mac OS and am unable to print/access the hard drive when I am using Windows XP via Parallels Desktop, as well as when I load directly into XP via Boot Camp.
Any ideas on how to configure XP so that my printer and external hard drive become visible?
Thanks!

DBlain2009 wrote:
I just ordered my first mac and decided to get a iMac 27" Quad Core i7. I am attending college so i thought i would purchase parallels desktop 5 incase i would need to run a windows program for a class. I was wondering if there was a way to install both boot camp and a VM using the same partition. In other words i want to be able to access my files i create in my VM in boot camp and vise versa. Any help would greatly and im sorry if this is in the wrong section.
Both Parallels and Fusion allow you to select your Bootcamp Windows partition as their respective virtual machine. You can boot into Windows using Bootcamp or use your same Windows installation, including programs and data, from within either Parallels or Fusion.

Using A skype adapter on Parallels or Boot camp. Please take a peek

good day to each of you.
I now have my new Mac Pro 3.0x4
I'd like to load Vista when I purchase it to this MP.
I would also like to run skype and a USB skype adapter
on the MP so.... I am assuming I have to keep Vista running
so the Skype phone works, Right.
And again assuming, parallels is the answer in that case
and not book camp correct?
Any doing this please?
Thank you all.

Can I ask why you don't just use the apple version of Skype? You can find it at skype.com
But if you must use parrarel and vista to have skype, (which I see absolutely no reason for), those two programs must be open if you are to recieve any phone calls. (I belive, never tried parallel).
If you use boot camp you need to restart your computer, start vista and start skype, before receiving any calls.
To conclude, you don't need vista (at all if you ask me) to use Skype.

Can no longer opt boot to Windows; Parallels and Boot Camp issues

So I was reinstalling my Parallels since it wasn't reading my Boot Camp partition correctly and I removed my old boot camp profile in Parallels. I figured this would only affect Parallels. After all, I was going to make a new one since my Parallels wasn't working very well. The removal of the profile seemed painless and it was instantaneous (so I don't think it formatted the partition). I then went to restart, and now my comp won't boot to the partition.
I can no longer view (or access) my files from Windows. I panicked and restored the profile from the trash, but I still can't access the partition. I can't even see Windows from the Start Up disk, but Parallels can detect that I have Windows 7 (even though it won't boot properly).What do I need to do to be able to get my Windows partition back? Do you have any idea whats going on with my comp? Can the removal of a virtual machine profile delete an entire OS in an instant?
Disk Utility says that my partition needs to be repaired, but I don't want to do anything until I get an expert opinion.
Macbook Pro
Early 2011
OS 10.9.5
500.11 GB Apple HDD
2 GHz Intel Core i7
16 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
Parallels 9.0.24172
Windows 7 Professional
Please tell me what I need to do! Thank you!

This is a table I use to verify that Testdisk is correct.
GPT 3 Start
GPT 3 Size
GPT 3 End
NTFS Start
Sector Offset
NTFS Size
NTFS End
584882296
1269536
586151832
586151936
104
390621177
976773113
Leave your Testdisk display and start a new Terminal Window. Please use the following steps. The 104 sector positive offset is a good sign.
You need to use the following steps. If you see any error messages during the following steps, please stop and post back here with the error message. The following steps have values from your Testdisk output (and you can verify) in Steps 7 and 8.
Rebuild GPT4 using start/end offsets
Sudo gdisk /dev/rdisk0
P (print the full list of parts)
D (delete)
4 (part 4)
N (new part)
4   (part 4)
586151936 - Start offset in bytes (start point for Bootcamp part)
+ 390621177 - (Size offset as opposed to End offset)
0700     (Windows part type)
P           (print list of all parts just to see what changes will be made)
W         (Write the new GPT)
Y           (Yes! really write the new GPT)
This will delete and re-write the GPT partition info for /dev/disk0s4.
Rebuild MBR to match the new GPT information thus resetting the Hybrid MBR. Use defaults for other questions (like partition codes). The only values that need modifications are the Boot flags and step 6. Accept all other defaults that Gdisk offers.
Sudo gdisk /dev/disk0
P (Print list of parts)
R   (Recover)
H (chooses Hybrid)
Partitions numbers to be hybridized: 2 3 4
Y (Good for GRUB question)
N (part 2 boot flag)
N (part 3 boot flag)
Y (part 4 boot flag make NTFS bootable partition)
W (Write the new MBR)
Y    (Yes! write the new MBR)
Reboot
Here is an example of the Q&A in the second set of commands.
Place EFI GPT (0xEE) partition first in MBR (good for GRUB)? (Y/N): Y
Creating entry for GPT partition #2 (MBR partition #2)
Enter an MBR hex code (default AF): Press Enter/Return
Set the bootable flag? (Y/N): N
Creating entry for GPT partition #3 (MBR partition #3)
Enter an MBR hex code (default AB): Press Enter/Return
Set the bootable flag? (Y/N): N
Creating entry for GPT partition #4 (MBR partition #4)
Enter an MBR hex code (default 07): 07
Set the bootable flag? (Y/N): Y
Test 1 - Does Bootcamp Volume show up in Finder?
Test 2 - Can you see files in Bootcamp Volume?
Test 3 - Can you select Bootcamp in System Preferences -> Startup Disk?
Test 4 - If Test 3 is successful, select Bootcamp and Click Restart.

Fusion vs Parallels vs Boot Camp

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