The new Parallels Desktop for Mac 15 is out and with it a lot of excitement from the Mac community. It’s the most powerful version of Parallels Desktop so far (as one might expect) and makes it easier than before to run Windows or Linux on your Mac computer. Gone are the days where it would take a reboot, these days you can switch between the operating systems like flicking between programs. You can share data and files by dragging and dropping from one operating system to the other, so quick.
We’ve had several questions about Parallels for Mac and I’d like to share our answers. They relate to the program as a whole and to version 15 too.
Why would I want to run Windows on my Mac?
A question that we’ve been asked many times in the past. If you’re running what you probably already consider to be the better operating system then why on earth would you want to run another at the same time?
- For Gaming. It’s a fact that the majority of good games are made for Windows first so if you’re a gamer you might want to run Windows during your lunch break or after hours. While it is possible to run Windows through bootcamp it does mean logging off and back on, using Parallels makes it sooo much easier to justify a quick spot of shoot-em-up! Parallels 15 has made a leap ahead with Apple Metal support, which means your graphics are as much as 15% faster.
- Windows-Only Applications. There are plenty of applications that are not made for Mac or don’t work particularly well on Mac. Finance programs like Quickbooks, for example, have in the past been watered down and not as user-friendly on Mac. Software developers often find that development tools are superior on PC. In addition, there are literally thousands of free utilities and apps made for Windows that cost far more on Mac. Using Parallels Desktop for Mac 15, it’s easier than ever to switch backwards and forwards to access these useful little programs.
- Internal Company Use. If you work for a company that has proprietary software running, then there is a chance that things will not work as well with Macs as with PCs. While the gap is narrowing it’s still sometimes easier to just switch over to using Windows with Parallels while accessing these systems than to deal with frustrating system-freezing and missing or non-working buttons. Parallels claims that its latest version has made running programs like Office up to 85% faster, which makes for a much more productive day if you need to use Windows.
- Website & Application Testing. We have first hand knowledge of the hard work that goes into creating a website, only to find out that parts of it don’t run as well on another operating system or platform. Parallels is specially liked by developers for this reason. While there’s a lot more to testing than just this, it does greatly aid the process when you can quickly copy over the files to check if something is working as it should be. Cross-browser compatibility testing is also a doddle when it’s a quick switch over rather than booting up a new machine or keeping a spare running.
- Personal Choice & Flexibility. Some people just prefer the way some system features or programs like Office, email clients, graphics programs etc. work on one or the other operating system. Rather than to have to make hard choices about which operating system to run, they choose to run both with Parallels. These days with Freelancing being so popular in can be important to be able to work with both systems to keep in line with client needs and wishes.
- It can be faster to Boot Windows on a Mac. The latest version of Parallels has been shown in many instances to start up Windows faster on a Mac than if you were to run it on a PC. For some people this is not really much of a bonus but if you are using both anyway you might be tempted to move everything over to the Mac and stick with one machine while using Parallels to switch over when you need to.
- You’re transitioning from PC to Mac. If you’ve decided to make the change to a Mac computer it can be difficult and frustrating to learn the ins and outs of the new system. In the interests of productivity and simplicity it can be easier to run specific programs in Windows on your Mac while you get to grips with it. Parallels does a beautiful job of helping in this way and version 15 specially can make the process quick and seamless.
The new macOS, Catalina, will be released in October 2019, will Parallels Desktop 15 support it?
The quick answer is YES, it will be supported. In fact a large part of the newest Parallels has been designed with Catalina in mind. Sidecar, the feature where you will be able to use an iPad as secondary display, will be supported from day 1. This means you could see your Mac apps on one display and your Windows apps on another.
In addition, Parallels pushes updates throughout the product life to ensure any compatibility issues with Catalina will be ironed out quickly.
What else can Parallels do?
Parallels has already presented this so well on their website so instead of re-hashing it all, we’ve just copied it straight from them. Like what you see? I know we do!
And there’s more…
Is there any way I can get Parallels Desktop 15 at a discount?
Definitely!
We’ve been offered a launch special that runs from 20-31 October 2023. You’ll be able to get 15% off new purchases of Parallels Desktop 15. (upgrades not included unfortunately).
To take up this offer, visit the Parallels site directly at:
www.parallels.com
and use coupon code: 8TU-8XZ-7CS
While Parallels doesn’t offer continuous discounts they do run some fantastic deals throughout the year. The best place to find a coupon is on our Parallels deal page, www.thesoftwareclub.com/parallels . As soon as we get a discount we’ll upload it there.
