Overview

Parallels is not only for Mac users!  Workstation 2.2 is a virtual computer application that allows you to run Linux on a Windows machine and vice versa.  This is a perfect solution for consolidation hardware in a business environment or for the home user who wants to learn a new operating system.  It includes the Parallels toolkit which adds easier user functionality.  It is available for a Windows version and also Linux which includes the new 2.6.23 kernel.

Installation – 8

Everything went smoothly during installation following the install wizard.  While installing it on our Windows 7 machine we had to run it in Compatibility Mode and you will need to select to install the driver if a Windows Security message comes up.

After installation the first time you run it you can have it check for updates automatically.

Features – 8

There are plenty of cool features included with this VM application.  You can easily control the behavior by the easy to use controls located on the toolbars.

When installing an operating system you can use the host computer’s optical drive or an ISO image.

Install the Parallels toolkit to make use of more advanced features and functions.

Plenty of user preferences to allow you to control the way your VM works.

A lot of tasks are handled with easy to follow wizards like this one to add hardware.

Ease of Use – 8

Setting up and using Parallels is straight forward and easy.  Here we look at installing Ubuntu with a Windows 7 host machine.  Again notice that there are easy to use wizards to walk you though the process.

In the first step select a typical, blank, or custom VM.  For this example we are installing the typical configuration as you can change any settings later on.

Select the OS you want to run on Parallels.

Done.  Parallels creates typical settings that will run the OS.  From here you can make changes to the memory, size of the hard drive, etc.

Start up the machine and begin using the guest OS.  Ctrl+Alt releases the mouse and you can easily toggle between full screen.

Performance – 8

The performance of the virtual machine will depend on the type your running and also the settings.  Remember that it is using the host computer memory and other hardware so you will want to adjust accordingly.  The Ubuntu test machine ran smoothly on our Dell Vostro Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB of RAM.

Product Support – 8

The Parallels company offers free support through their Knowledgebase, online documentation, and FAQ.  They also offer no charge email support and our requests were answered the same day.  They also offer phone support which includes a charge of $29.99 per incident.  You can also sign up for their email newsletters to get the latest news and updates information.

Conclusion

Parallels is a great option for IT professionals to consolidate multiple operating systems saving hardware costs, students and home users wanting to broaden their computer knowledge.  In our tests it ran fluid and the user interface makes if easy to set up and use.  The offer a free fully functional 15 day trial and then $49.99 after that for a license.  It will work with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista 32-bit versions and most current versions of various Linux distributions.   We were also able to get it to work with Windows 7 (32-bit) using compatibility mode.

Download Parallels Workstation for Windows or Linux

Rating

• Installation: 8
• Ease of Use: 8
• Features: 8
• Performance: 8
• Product Support: 8