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General discussion

Stability of Parallels for hardcore programs

Oct 25, 2007 10:29AM PDT

Hi! I am an independent contractor and I use a lot of "hardcore" windows programs every day. I am going to be upgrading to a mac soon, and am wondering if I should get Parallels, or just dual-boot and live with the hassle of transferring files between OS's if I need to email something or I want to run a special program. basically, I'm asking if parallels desktop for mac is safe and stable, or will i be better off with a dual-boot machine.

Thanks!
N Clark

Discussion is locked

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Honestly, if you really are a "hardcore" Windows app user...
Oct 25, 2007 1:53PM PDT

stick with a traditional Windows machine... worst case, boot from Windows on the Apple Mac hardware, but no complaints allowed.

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I agree,
Oct 25, 2007 9:58PM PDT

Exactly what applications do you run on your Winbox that you believe you cannot do without?


P

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Programs
Oct 26, 2007 6:49AM PDT

I run programs like AutoCad, EASE, BSS London Architect, and Catt Acoustic

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Programs
Oct 26, 2007 10:32AM PDT

Ok,
All the new Macs are capable of Dual Boot, so you have it even if you didn't want it. Boot Camp turns your Mac into a Windows machine. It is NOT emulation or Virtual Machine.

Parallels is virtual machine and can be run at the same time as OS X.

There is no need to switch from one to the other to transfer files or to email. You can do both from whatever system you are in.

From the list, it would appear that you plan on spending more time in Windows than anything else. Bear in mind that no matter what hardware that system is running on, it is still Windows and still as unsecure and full of holes as it would be running on an eMachine. The Mac hardware does not change the shortcomings of Windows.

Enjoy the Mac

P

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Oh yes,
Oct 26, 2007 10:33AM PDT

I forgot to mention.
Both methods are very stable.

P

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parallels is first choice
Oct 26, 2007 12:08PM PDT

My problem is, I'd be using Mac programs simultaneously with Windows programs. I thought about the dual boot, but it would be a hassle to switch. But, mainly I just needed to know the stability of Parallels. Thanks for the info!

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I noted it's stability.
Oct 27, 2007 1:46AM PDT

You also have another choice today with Vmware's Fusion. Remember it is no more stable than Windows. I had a few that didn't understand that.

Bob

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Yes, Thanks
Oct 27, 2007 11:07AM PDT

I thought I cleared that up in my last post. I did understand that, and thanks for the info!

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Actually as stable as Windows.
Oct 25, 2007 11:50PM PDT

I can't say it's any worse than just Windows. But your post is a little unclear so I'll stop with this.

Bob