Parallels Desktop is often used by people who need to run software or applications that are only available on a specific operating system. For example, a Mac user might need to run Windows software without the expense of having to buy and set up a separate Windows machine. Developed by Parallels, Inc., Parallels Desktop 19 allows users to run multiple operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, and macOS) simultaneously on a single physical computer.
Commonly referred to as a "virtual machine" or VM software, Parallels Desktop provides a virtual environment in which you can install and run different operating systems alongside your primary one.
Parallels Desktop provides a user-friendly interface for managing virtual machines, making it relatively easy to set up and use. It offers features like Coherence mode, which integrates Windows applications seamlessly into the host operating system's interface. The software is popular among a wide range of users, including software developers, IT professionals, designers, students, and anyone who needs to use applications from different operating systems on a single machine.
How Creators and Business Owners Use Parallels Desktop
As mentioned, one of the most common Parallels Desktop use cases is allowing macOS users to run Windows applications that do not have macOS equivalents. However, there are many other reasons for using virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop 19. Here are some common ones below:
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Parallels Desktop is often used by people who need to run software or applications that are only available on a specific operating system. For example, a Mac user might need to run Windows software without having to set up a separate Windows machine.
Software Testing and Development
Developers and software testers use Parallels Desktop to create isolated testing environments. This enables them to test their applications on different operating systems without needing separate physical hardware for each.
Education
Parallels Desktop is used in educational settings to teach students about different operating systems and software environments without requiring dedicated hardware for each system.
Business Applications
Some businesses use Parallels Desktop to ensure compatibility with software that is only available on certain operating systems, enabling them to streamline their operations.
Gaming
While not its primary use, Parallels Desktop can also be used to play games that are only compatible with a specific operating system.