How To Use Parallels Workstation to Work Smarter

Use Parallels Workstation to Work Smarter

by Michael E. Callahan aka Dr. File Finder

Part 3 in a series on virtualization

Introduction

When it comes to virtualization you have a number of choices. Among these are Parallels Workstation. This is a powerful tool for creating and working with "virtual machines." The product is easy-to-use and has a very intuitive user interface. When you create a virtual machine the entire layout is clearly displayed for you to see. This lets you quickly see how much RAM is allocated, how much disk space is there, and so on. You can even adjust the boot sequence if you like. That means you can have the CD or DVD as the first boot device instead of the hard disk. A nice alternative if you need it. Parallels Workstation also utilizes a technology known as "hypervisor" to give great stability to each virtual machine. A hypervisor works to directly control the hardware on the host machine so each virtual machine is more efficient. The hypervisor works extremely well with the newest CPU's from both AMD and Intel that support virtualization. The hypervisor technology is not found in any of the other virtualization software I worked with. Another cool feature of Parallels Workstation is the fact that you can use it with both Windows and Linux. That's not true with other virtualization products. So, with Parallels Workstation you have some options you don't have with other products. You can install it on a machine running Linux or Windows and then create virtual machines to your hearts content. Slick.

Parallels Workstation also has a sister product, Parallels Desktop, that runs on a Macintosh! If you have a Mac you can run Parallels Desktop and have virtual machines that run Windows and/or Linux.

Summing It Up!

Parallels Workstation is extremely intuitive and easy-to-use. With a price of just $49.99 US it's by far the most cost effective solution for anyone wanting to get into virtualization. That makes it perfect for both businesses and home users. So, if you want to get into full-fledged virtualization at a fraction of the cost, take a look at Parallels Workstation.

Stay tuned next week for a review of the virtualization tool from Microsoft.

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