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Parallels or VMWare?

by cyberchick
9 replies
Hi Warriors,

I've recently switched to Mac and love my new machine to bits (if that is at all possible).
However, despite the great tools that are available for Mac, one essential Windows tool I can't live without is XSitePro (I wish someone would develop a Mac version - yeah I know, keep dreaming).

In order to run XSitePro on my Mac I need to decide between Parallels or VMWare. Trouble is, I really struggle to make up my mind because I see each has its advantages.

I need your input on what you decided to do and why when it came to deciding between the two.

One thing I like to mention is that I do like the idea of keeping my Mac OS safe as much as possible and I believe parallels would suffice for this. I really don't want to run Windows other than using this software and if there was a way to do this via a portable USB drive I would, but from what I understand you can't install Windows (XP) on an external HD.

Please help me make up my mind.
Regards
Monika
#parallels #vmware
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Monika, there was a recent thread about this that I posted on. I'm copying and pasting my response in that thread and putting it below. The short answer is that you can't really go wrong with either program, but from what I've been reading Fusion seems to have the slight edge in stability.

    Parallels and Fusion have been in an epic see-saw battle from day one, and they usually try to add features that meet or beat the other with each new release. You can't really go wrong with either one, they're very very close in terms of features and performance. Just make sure you have a newer mac with lots of memory and a fast processor, because they'll require some computing horsepower to run fast (not so much of a concern anymore if you're using Win 7 instead of Vista).

    If you're planning to use XP, then RAM is not going to be as much of a concern as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author cyberchick
      Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

      Monika, there was a recent thread about this that I posted on. I'm copying and pasting my response in that thread and putting it below. The short answer is that you can't really go wrong with either program, but from what I've been reading Fusion seems to have the slight edge in stability.

      Parallels and Fusion have been in an epic see-saw battle from day one, and they usually try to add features that meet or beat the other with each new release. You can't really go wrong with either one, they're very very close in terms of features and performance. Just make sure you have a newer mac with lots of memory and a fast processor, because they'll require some computing horsepower to run fast (not so much of a concern anymore if you're using Win 7 instead of Vista).

      If you're planning to use XP, then RAM is not going to be as much of a concern as well.
      Hi Paulie,

      I did a quick search on the one vs the other and it came up empty. Sorry for double-posting in that case. I appreciate you took the time to copy/paste your response from the other thread.

      I have a MBP and enough RAM and am looking at running XP since this is what I got on my PC after switching from crappy Vista.

      When you mention horsepower, is one of the two options better than the other, or are they much the same?

      Thanks
      Monika
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      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        In terms of horsepower, they are both pretty much equals in what they require.

        Here's a VERY thorough comparison I think you may like using Windows 7 (which is more comparable to XP in terms of the system resources it needs than Vista!) that should shed more light on the issue. It seems like 2D performance is higher on Fusion, and the tables are turned when it comes to 3D performance.

        VMWare Fusion 3.0 vs. Parallels Desktop 5.0


        Originally Posted by cyberchick View Post

        Hi Paulie,

        I did a quick search on the one vs the other and it came up empty. Sorry for double-posting in that case. I appreciate you took the time to copy/paste your response from the other thread.

        I have a MBP and enough RAM and am looking at running XP since this is what I got on my PC after switching from crappy Vista.

        When you mention horsepower, is one of the two options better than the other, or are they much the same?

        Thanks
        Monika
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        • Profile picture of the author cyberchick
          In terms of horsepower, they are both pretty much equals in what they require.

          Here's a VERY thorough comparison I think you may like using Windows 7 (which is more comparable to XP in terms of the system resources it needs than Vista!) that should shed more light on the issue. It seems like 2D performance is higher on Fusion, and the tables are turned when it comes to 3D performance.

          VMWare Fusion 3.0 vs. Parallels Desktop 5.0
          Thanks Paulie,

          That link helped heaps. I'm now more clear on the differences, albeit small and am toying towards VMWare.

          Monika
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Fletcher
    I've never used Parallels so this is a completely biased post but ...

    I'm a complete VMWare fanboy. Their products have always "Just Worked" for me on numerous projects. I run their free VMWare Server edition on my own servers and have used various paid for options on server and desktop with great success.

    There is also a very active community surrounding it, helping it grow and providing things like user created VMWare machine instances.

    Can't recommend it highly enough,

    Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author cyberchick
      Originally Posted by Andy Fletcher View Post

      I've never used Parallels so this is a completely biased post but ...

      I'm a complete VMWare fanboy. Their products have always "Just Worked" for me on numerous projects. I run their free VMWare Server edition on my own servers and have used various paid for options on server and desktop with great success.

      There is also a very active community surrounding it, helping it grow and providing things like user created VMWare machine instances.

      Can't recommend it highly enough,

      Andy
      Thanks Andy,

      I must admit I have toyed with VMWare myself but then got stuck with the parallels idea. Still deciding but your input certainly helps.

      Thank you.
      Monika
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  • Profile picture of the author bassian
    Hi Monkia,

    My first post here so please be gentle

    I run vmware on my mbp. When I brought my mac it was recommend to me by the staff in the shop. The guy is also a friend so I trust his advice.

    It works fine and I have had no issues at all. To be honestly now I am more up to speed with my mac I hardly ever use it. Which is a good thing!!!

    It is handy to have though.

    Good choice on the mac, its the way ahead.

    I hope this helps.

    If you fancy a house swap london for oz let me know?

    I love it down there!

    Regards,

    Ian
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    • Profile picture of the author cyberchick
      Originally Posted by bassian View Post

      Hi Monkia,

      My first post here so please be gentle

      I run vmware on my mbp. When I brought my mac it was recommend to me by the staff in the shop. The guy is also a friend so I trust his advice.

      It works fine and I have had no issues at all. To be honestly now I am more up to speed with my mac I hardly ever use it. Which is a good thing!!!

      It is handy to have though.

      Good choice on the mac, its the way ahead.

      I hope this helps.

      If you fancy a house swap london for oz let me know?

      I love it down there!

      Regards,

      Ian
      Hi Ian,

      Welcome to the Warrior Forum hub, great to see you are already helping out while still moving the furniture around.

      A house swap - now that's an idea. I used to live and work in London by the way and hubby is a Pom so we do try and hop on "over" as much as we can. Can't blame you for dreaming about Oz though - I mean, sunshine, beaches, the outdoors, space - need I go on?

      I do appreciate your input too. Seems like VMWare is the fav for now.

      In regards to the swap, let's keep our options open for now, one never knows.

      Regards
      Monika
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  • Profile picture of the author butters
    I liked parallels but I cant say I used VM. I only use paralells for odd thing in windows, if I wanted to do something serious in windows then I would just boot up boot camp.
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