Virtual PC vs Parallels Desktop

Struggling to choose between Virtual PC and Parallels Desktop? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Virtual PC is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like virtualization, virtual-machine, virtual-pc, microsoft.

It boasts features such as Run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a Windows host, Provides an isolated environment for each virtual machine, Supports a variety of guest operating systems including Windows, Linux, and others, Allows for easy switching between virtual machines, Provides tools for managing and configuring virtual machines, Supports snapshot and restore functionality for virtual machines and pros including Allows for running multiple operating systems on a single machine, Provides an isolated and secure environment for each virtual machine, Easy to use and manage virtual machines, Supports a wide range of guest operating systems, Allows for easy testing and development of software in different environments.

On the other hand, Parallels Desktop is a Os & Utilities product tagged with virtualization, macos, windows, linux, parallel-computing.

Its standout features include Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS, Seamless integration and usability with macOS, Shared folders allow easy file transfer between macOS and virtual machines, Resource optimization for improved performance, Easy installation and setup of virtual machines, Snapshots allow you to save and restore virtual machine state, Travel mode to easily move virtual machines between Macs, 3D graphics acceleration support, Retina display support, Touch Bar support, Virtual printing and other peripherals, and it shines with pros like Excellent performance and usability, Easy to set up and use, Seamless integration with macOS, Shared folders make file transfer easy, Good virtual machine customization options.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Virtual PC

Virtual PC

Virtual PC is virtualization software from Microsoft that allows you to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a Windows host. It provides an isolated environment for each virtual machine.

Categories:
virtualization virtual-machine virtual-pc microsoft

Virtual PC Features

  1. Run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a Windows host
  2. Provides an isolated environment for each virtual machine
  3. Supports a variety of guest operating systems including Windows, Linux, and others
  4. Allows for easy switching between virtual machines
  5. Provides tools for managing and configuring virtual machines
  6. Supports snapshot and restore functionality for virtual machines

Pricing

  • Free
  • Trial Period

Pros

Allows for running multiple operating systems on a single machine

Provides an isolated and secure environment for each virtual machine

Easy to use and manage virtual machines

Supports a wide range of guest operating systems

Allows for easy testing and development of software in different environments

Cons

Requires a Windows host operating system

May have performance overhead compared to native hardware

Limited support for advanced virtualization features compared to enterprise-level solutions

Discontinued by Microsoft since 2014, with no further development or support


Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software for macOS that allows users to run multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, alongside macOS on a Mac computer. Known for its ease of use and performance, Parallels Desktop provides a seamless integration of virtual machines with the macOS environment.

Categories:
virtualization macos windows linux parallel-computing

Parallels Desktop Features

  1. Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS
  2. Seamless integration and usability with macOS
  3. Shared folders allow easy file transfer between macOS and virtual machines
  4. Resource optimization for improved performance
  5. Easy installation and setup of virtual machines
  6. Snapshots allow you to save and restore virtual machine state
  7. Travel mode to easily move virtual machines between Macs
  8. 3D graphics acceleration support
  9. Retina display support
  10. Touch Bar support
  11. Virtual printing and other peripherals

Pricing

  • Subscription
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Excellent performance and usability

Easy to set up and use

Seamless integration with macOS

Shared folders make file transfer easy

Good virtual machine customization options

Cons

Can be resource-intensive

Expensive compared to competitors

Limited support for older macOS versions

Advanced features require paid upgrades