VMWare or parallel? advice please

[finchwizard]

I've used Parallels and stuck to Parallels because VMWare (Although pretty sure it works now) never used to handle Network connections properly.

I'd always have multiple connections and like to bridge them with certain interfaces for testing.

But I think that works now but I'm too used to Parallels.
And like above. If you do decide to go Parallels go for the MacUpdate Spring Bundle, get it for a little cheaper plus a few other good apps.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Try Googling 'Parallels sticky keys' and view some of search results. Parallels has this awesome bug that means suddenly, during normal typing, pressing 'R' brings up Windows Explorer, pressing 'T' does something else and so on. Net result, you have to reboot. That's just one example and it was/is a fairly common problem. Parallels' answer was to release a new version to fix it, ask people to PAY to upgrade, then present them with a slew of similarly serious bugs.

I am glad for you that you have had no problems because I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Trying to finish a 200-page full colour report and having to reboot every five minutes (or try fix it with a full reinstall, natch), is seriously almost enough to send you mental.

Many, many people have found Parallels software an utter disaster.

That is a Windows thing. I had a HP PC that did that. I remember a certain key combination would bring it back to normal.

Edit: It is when the Windows key gets held down or stuck. I can see it being a Parallels bug in that it simulates a Windows key switch or something. Just saying that it can also happen on a dedicated PC.

 

[Rookies1000]

Wow, thanks guy for a lot of insight.
I will probably only need to boot up windows once in a while to run the windows software. I'm trying to stay clear from windows as much as possible, so I don't really need to have windows up all the time. I think I'm gonna go for parallel then.

 

[DustinT]

both programs have a free trial. that should help you decide. I use Parallels because I really think coherence is a terrific tool. Super impressive.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Both programs are highly regarded and work great. You can't go wrong with either. I say close your eyes and pick one

Thread should have stopped here.

 

[advan031]

I"m a VMWare Fusion user and I have no complaints.

 

[Al Coholic]

Try Googling 'Parallels sticky keys' and view some of search results.

I don't need to google anything. Using Parallels for 3 years now. Not one single kernel panic nor has it ever done anything it shouldn't have.

during normal typing, pressing 'R' brings up Windows Explorer, pressing 'T' does something else and so on. Net result, you have to reboot.

Well... then stop doing that.

Many, many people have found Parallels software an utter disaster.

It's like any other app mac users seem to have problems with. I tend to believe that 90% of these people's problems are caused by all the other 3rd party crap and the silly-assed tweaks they do.

 

[OxOOCOFFEE]

Virtual box rule them all

Used three of them (not at the same time) but virtual box on Mac is great and fast. Did not have any problems yet. And it is free (http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Screenshots). Tools are great for converting files from different virtual machines. Give it a try. It is free so you will not loos anything. If you like it you can always drop it to garbage box.

 

[JasonH42]

Used three of them (not at the same time) but virtual box on Mac is great and fast. Did not have any problems yet. And it is free (http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Screenshots). Tools are great for converting files from different virtual machines. Give it a try. It is free so you will not loos anything. If you like it you can always drop it to garbage box.

VirtualBox was really good on 32-bit but is unusable in 64-bit Kernel mode. I upgraded from a mid-2009 unibody to quad core i7 and my work VMs are now so slow they cannot be used, having to migrate to VMWare.

http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=39368&sid=a2be5a469d327ceb21f6b6b739249c8c&start=15

 

[stringent]

Use VMWare for our virtualization here at work and its brill, even the normal workstation version of which I have found a hack to get OSX running (not perfect, but it works for those people who have done stuff on Macs and need it converted) however my dad had Parallels on his Mac and it worked pretty well.

I think there are 30 day versions of both to try. Personally, I'd go VMWare.

Virtual box is very buggy and unstable. Only use if you are desperate!