I’ll admit that I was hesitant at first.  

Windows and Linux have been my faithful companions throughout my education and career. I was comfortable in that familiar world, accustomed to the quirks and nuances of those operating systems.  

But as I looked around me, I couldn’t ignore the allure of the sleek design, powerful and durable hardware, exceptional battery life, and reputable Unix-based macOS. 

However, a significant roadblock stood in my way — my work often required specific Windows-only tools.  

For instance, if I need to use Visual Studio (as opposed to Visual Studio Code) or easily work with .NET, I need a Windows machine — or a virtual machine. I also need to use Windows when coding for gaming engines that only run on Windows.  

How could I make the switch to a shiny new MacBook Pro without losing the essential tools I rely on? 

It was a real dilemma. I couldn’t deny the appeal of the Mac ecosystem, but I couldn’t ignore the practicality of Windows for specific tasks. I needed a solution that would allow me to leverage the best of both worlds without constantly rebooting my Mac or using a separate PC. 

That’s when I began to develop on a virtual machine (VM) with Parallels Desktop, a software that lets me run Windows applications as if they were made for my Mac. 

Take advantage of running different operating systems on your Mac with a free trial of Parallels Desktop. 

The benefits of developing on a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop for Mac  

With Parallels Desktop, I found the workaround I had been searching for. Using this software, I could run Windows applications seamlessly alongside macOS without compromising on performance or convenience. It was a game-changer. 

The transition wasn’t without its challenges, of course. There were times I was frustrated as I adjusted to the nuances of the macOS environment. But with each passing day, I grew more comfortable with my new setup.  

Access to Mac’s pre-installed developer tools, including compilers, debuggers, and scripting languages, is a major plus.  

With my Mac, I can also easily use Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE), perfect for developing macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications.  

Deploying apps to the App Store and syncing data across devices with iCloud is also super simple.  

Plus, macOS supports popular development platforms like Java, Python, Ruby, and more. 

The benefits of developing on a Mac are clear. And with Parallels Desktop, I don’t have to miss out on what I need from Windows.  

The stability and reliability of macOS and its many developer-friendly features, paired with the flexibility of running Windows applications, offered a world of possibilities for my development workflow.  

I can seamlessly switch between operating systems, test applications in different environments, and collaborate more effectively with colleagues. Even better, I can easily share clipboard content, access my files from either OS or share my hardware resources.  

The magic of Parallels is that it lets you enjoy the robustness and sleek aesthetic of a Mac without sacrificing your favorite developmental tools and environments.  

Here are some reasons I prefer to develop in a VM with Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

Versatile capabilities and cross-platform compatibility 

The core of Parallels Desktop is the ability to run different operating systems on one machine. In my case, developing on a Mac can be limiting if I stick to macOS despite its many capabilities.  

However, with Parallels Desktop, I’m not limited to the built-in operating system. Instead I can set up multiple virtual machines and run the operating systems I need to use for each project, all from my Mac. I can run whatever versions of Linux or Windows I need, and as many instances of each OS as are required for each project.  

So, how exactly does this benefit a developer using a Mac?  

I can develop, test, and deploy across many platforms without investing in different physical machines. You can even run older versions of macOS for compatibility testing and beta versions of upcoming OSs to help future-proof your projects. 

Moreover, developing on a Mac with Parallels Desktop has even more benefits, like consistency across sessions, enhanced security, and isolated development environments.  

Consistency in every session 

 
Each time I boot up and return to a virtual machine, I’m back in the same dev environment with all my settings exactly as I left them, no matter what other projects I’ve worked on in other VMs or on my host machine. 

This consistent stable environment is advantageous when working remotely for an organization with a global presence.  

It ensures that all the team members I’m collaborating with are on the same page and working in an environment that mirrors the production setup, whether we are all working synchronously or asynchronously. 

Security and contained mishaps 

A developer’s world is full of uncertainties and potential vulnerabilities.  

With Parallels Desktop, I tread carefully by running questionable apps and testing unknown code in a VM.  

If things go awry, the VM contains the problem, keeping my primary machine safe and uncompromised. With the Snapshot capabilities built into Parallels Desktop, I can quickly revert to a previous state and start fresh.  

A simple restore, reset, or wipe can bring the virtual machine back up and operating as if nothing happened. And my host machine remains intact and free from damage or threats.  

Isolation for multi-project management  

Most software developers, including myself as a freelancer, work on multiple projects simultaneously.  

Using a VM allows me to set up multiple unique environments for every project that lands on my desk.  

These isolated environments help manage dependencies and avoid conflicts that might arise from differing development setups.  

And if something goes wrong with a project in one virtual machine, I have peace of mind knowing it won’t impact the other virtual machines and projects I have running. 

Embrace streamlined cross-platform software development with Parallels Desktop for Mac 

My needs as a software developer can be dynamic and unpredictable. Parallels Desktop helps me overcome any challenges by making it easy for me to work in safe and flexible virtual machine environments. 

While my journey with Parallels Desktop began as a solution for my initial problems as a new Mac user, it quickly became a crucial part of my developer toolkit.  

Running a virtual machine offers the luxury of using multiple operating systems minus the hassle of rebooting my Mac or managing separate machines.  

For those transitioning to a Mac from a PC or simply looking for a powerful and productive development tool that streamlines the process of creating using virtual machines, Parallels Desktop might change your developer game. It did for me! 

Embrace the flexibility and power of virtualization with a free trial of Parallels Desktop and see how it transforms your development experience.  

The post Why I develop on a virtual machine: A software developer’s Mac journey appeared first on Parallels Blog.

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, developers and testers now have the power to operate within a virtual sandbox, with the capability to swiftly create and dismantle virtual production-like environments using containers, virtual machines, or Kubernetes clusters. 

Whether you’re crafting traditional desktop applications for Windows or Mac, constructing server applications on Windows or Linux, or diving into container-driven, cloud-native applications, I’ll show you how Parallels Desktop is the cornerstone of a cutting-edge application development process.

Ready to see for yourself? Get your full-featured 14-day free trial now!  

Build, test, and debug local apps across all platforms 

Parallels Desktop equips developers with the tools to establish local virtual environments that faithfully replicate cloud production systems. This level of fidelity is indispensable in ensuring that your applications perform as expected.  

With Parallels Desktop, you can seamlessly build, test, and debug local apps for any platform, guaranteeing the highest quality output. 

By simplifying the sharing of files and paths from your host system to multiple guest environments concurrently, Parallels Desktop assures the utmost security for your work.  

Your source code directories can be effortlessly connected to one or multiple virtual machines or containers through shared folders. 

Seamless automation and deployment via command line interface 

Thanks to Parallels Desktop’s compatibility with modern automation tools, developers can automate the rapid creation and removal of virtual machines and their associated application dependencies.  

Running headless VMs from the command line empowers you to automate and deploy your applications more efficiently and precisely.  

You can also tap into the burgeoning community that shares container-based images and templates tailored to various developer workflows and can swiftly download and launch pre-built images from this community, saving valuable time and effort. 

Parallels Desktop is also a valuable tool for information security professionals, many of whomrely heavily on Parallels Desktop to support various functions such as digital forensics, penetration testing, security fortification, environment simulation, defensive security training, and more. 

How developers can leverage Parallels Desktop to enhance their workflows 

As a front-end developer, it’s common to face the challenge of testing applications on different devices and operating systems. Parallels Desktop provides a solution to this problem.  

For example, Flutter development allows you to write code once that can run on any device, but how do you ensure it works? How do you debug specific blocks of code for specific platforms?  

In the past, you would need multiple devices to test your application, which was inconvenient. With virtualization, you can quickly spawn a Virtual Machine to test a specific scenario or orchestrate specific testing conditions, such as a bad network connection or loss of connection.  

This allows you to see how your application reacts before you publish it. Furthermore, with our command-line tools and other tools, you can automate these tests by integrating them with scripts of CI/CD pipelines. 

Another situation where using a VM is beneficial is when you need to run two pieces of incompatible software that may not even be able to be installed side-by-side, such as two or more different versions of the same browser. Purchasing another PC just to run these incompatible applications is not only expensive, but time-consuming and inefficient as well.  

With Parallels Desktop, you can run these separate browsers in different VMs, all running on a single Mac. You can install as many virtual machines as you have space for on your Mac hard drive and run them simultaneously as your RAM allows. 

As you can see, Parallels Desktop is a robust virtual machine platform offering many advantages to developers and testers.  

The software enables modern development and testing processes, offers secure file-sharing capabilities, automation and deployment via CLI, access to pre-built images, support for information security professionals, and the ability to facilitate the development, testing, and debugging of local apps across diverse platforms. 

Parallels Desktop is an indispensable tool for any developer or tester seeking to streamline their workflow and deliver top-notch applications. 

Find out how this solution transforms your application development and testing processes and unlocks the full power of your cross-platform development. Sign up for a free 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop. 

The post Revolutionize your development and testing workflow with Parallels Desktop appeared first on Parallels Blog.

I’ll guide you through the details of Visual Studio for Mac retirement announcement and explore the pros and cons of transitioning to alternatives like Visual Studio Code.  

Next, I’ll discuss the impact on .NET development on macOS.  

Finally, I’ll show you why Parallels Desktop for Mac is the best solution for developers who want to keep using Visual Studio on their Mac. 

Are you ready to make the transition from Visual Studio for Mac to Parallels Desktop? Start your free trial of Parallels Desktop now? 

Key takeaways:  

• Visual Studio for Mac will be retired on August 31, 2024. Microsoft is providing essential updates until that date.  

• Transitioning to alternative development environments such as Visual Studio Code and Virtual Machine Solutions can present advantages, but these solutions lag behind Visual Studio in terms of features. 

• Parallels Desktop for Mac stands out as the superior choice due to its ability to seamlessly run a complete Windows environment alongside macOS in its native-like Coherence mode. 

The Visual Studio for Mac retirement announcement  

Support for the well-regarded integrated development environment (IDE), Visual Studio for Mac, will cease on its scheduled retirement date, August 31, 2024.  

After that, Microsoft suggests that Mac users can either migrate to Visual Studio Code and the new C# DevKit or use a Virtual Machine. 

During the final 12 months of support, Microsoft will provide essential updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility updates with Apple’s supported platforms.  

However, no new features, framework support, or language additions will be introduced during this period. 

Visual Studio for Mac will cease being serviced and maintained following its retirement date.  

However, users who have Visual Studio subscriptions maintain access to it as a legacy installation on my.visualstudio.com. This allows existing users to maintain their Visual Studio IDE and legacy project support while transitioning to alternative solutions. 

This announcement encourages developers to explore diverse development environments and tools. Read on to discover the benefits of transitioning to alternatives like Visual Studio Code, virtual machines, and Microsoft Dev Box. 

Transitioning to alternatives to Visual Studio 

Alternative development environments can present advantages, including improved performance and more customization options.  

Navigating through this transition may require the installation, configuration, and transfer of existing projects and files, and it will require changes in your routine. 

Popular alternative options to Visual Studio for Mac include: 

• VSCodium (multi-language support) 
• Visual Studio Code (multi-language support) 
• IntelliJ IDEA (multi-language support and excels on Java) 
• PyCharm (for Python) 
• Android Studio (for Android/Kotlin) 
• CodeRunner (multi-language support) 

You can find more information about these alternatives, including those where extensions operate natively, on their official websites as well as in online forums and tutorials. 

While each of these options has their own upsides, Parallels Desktop for Mac stands out as the superior choice for developers due to its ability to seamlessly run a complete Windows environment alongside macOS.  

While alternative development tools may cater to specific languages or purposes, Parallels’ versatility and Windows compatibility make it the ultimate solution for maximizing productivity and flexibility on a Mac. 

Advantages of Parallels Desktop for Mac   

Parallels Desktop for Mac empowers users to operate Windows, Linux, or other operating systems on their Mac by creating a virtual machine (VM). It allows Mac developers to access and run Windows applications, including Visual Studio, on their local machine, providing a seamless development experience. 

The advantages of utilizing Parallels Desktop for Mac include: 

• Rapid and effortless switching between operating systems. 
• Ability to run Windows applications. 
• Access to virtual desktop infrastructure, including cloud hosted VMs. 

These unique features grant developers access to Windows-specific development tools, technologies, and applications, making it indispensable for tasks such as .NET development, cross-platform testing, and multi-language development. 

Visual Studio runs brilliantly in a virtual machine, and you can still do all the amazing things you can do with Visual Studio on your Mac. You can even set it up in a way that you almost forget that it is running in a virtual machine by using Coherence mode and running the virtual machine in the background.  

How to activate the Coherence mode: 

• Go to settings.  
• Set the “Always ready in background”.  
• Go to “Applications” and enable the share of windows applications.  
• After this we can share our repository code folder.  

Once this is complete, you can then start your VM and set it to use the Coherence mode. Then you can go and open up Visual Studio and pin the icon to your dock.  

Once this is done you will now always have Visual Studio ready to use — just like a Mac application with all the advantages of Visual Studio for Windows, including the memory profiler.  

Visual Studio Code 

Developed by Microsoft, Visual Studio Code is an open-source code editor fine-tuned for constructing and debugging web and cloud applications.  

It supports multiple programming languages, including C#, F#, and Visual Basic, and offers features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, and integrated source control. 

Visual Studio Code and the new C# extension have their merits, but they still lag behind Visual Studio in terms of features.  

For instance, Visual Studio has a memory profiler that allows developers to monitor memory consumption and memory leaks, which is not available in Visual Studio Code. 

Also, while the C# DevKit extension is open source, the underlying technology is not, and it may require a paid license in some cases. While Visual Studio Code is a fantastic IDE, it lacks some features that are essential for professional developers.  

For instance, it has poor support for Microsoft’s C# language, cannot open or edit Visual Studio projects, and performs poorly when handling large projects. As a result, most professional developers still prefer to use the big brother, Visual Studio.  

Parallels Desktop for Mac transcends these capabilities by seamlessly integrating the complete Windows ecosystem. It ensures uninterrupted access to Visual Studio for Windows and preserving familiarity for .NET developers all within the Mac environment.  

Knowing this, it’s easy to see why Parallels Desktop for Mac is the ultimate choice for a unified and optimized development experience. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac vs. Microsoft Dev Box  

Microsoft Dev Box is a cloud service that offers developers a cloud-based workstation experience with preconfigured development environments. 

In comparison to Microsoft Dev Box, Parallels Desktop for Mac sets itself apart by providing an on-device solution that seamlessly combines macOS and Windows.  

It eliminates the need for cloud dependencies, therefore ensuring rapid and familiar access to Visual Studio with Coherence mode.  

Moreover, it delivers an unmatched level of integration and performance for developers who prioritize a comprehensive and efficient .NET development environment on their Mac. 

Parallels Desktop for Mac vs. other Virtual Machine solutions  

While there are other Virtual Machine solutions that offer the flexibility of running Windows applications on a Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac outshines them by delivering a truly seamless integration of Windows within the macOS environment.  

It ensures rapid switching between operating systems, optimized performance, and access to the entire Windows ecosystem, including Visual Studio.  

Clearly, it is a top choice for Mac developers seeking unparalleled efficiency and familiarity in their .NET development journey. 

It offers developers the ability to run multiple operating systems on a single workstation, including cloud hosted VMs. Parallels Desktop allows Mac developers to run Visual Studio on macOS, granting them access to the complete range of Windows development tools, including console apps, and optimizing their Visual Studio experience. 

Employing Parallels Desktop allows developers to benefit from Windows applications and tools on their Macs, retaining the comfort and familiarity of their chosen operating system.  

It’s an attractive solution for current users of Visual Studio for Mac while also allowing access to other native applications like Office365 for day-to-day management. 

Support and updates until Visual Studio for Mac retirement 

Visual Studio for Mac support and updates will continue until its retirement date on August 31, 2024. Microsoft will be providing essential updates during this period. This would include servicing updates to address critical bug fixes, security issues and platforms updated by Apple. 

Although no new features, framework support, or language additions will be introduced during the final 12 months of support, developers can continue using Visual Studio for Mac with confidence, knowing that their IDE will remain secure and up to date as Microsoft continues to provide essential updates for Visual Studio for Mac. 

Making a seamless transition with Parallels Desktop for Mac

As the retirement date of Visual Studio approaches, developers should strongly consider adopting Parallels Desktop for Mac to ensure a smooth transition and continued support for their .NET development needs on macOS.  

This way developers can transition smoothly while continuing a robust, efficient and powerful development experience. 

The impact of retiring Visual Studio for Mac on .NET Development

The retirement of Visual Studio for Mac will have a considerable effect on .NET development on macOS, as developers will no longer be able to utilize Visual Studio for Mac to create .NET applications.  

Alternative solutions such as Visual Studio Code, virtual machine solutions, and Microsoft Dev Box will continue to provide support for .NET and C# development, keeping the Visual Studio IDE running. 

With Parallels Desktop you don´t have to worry about all this — you can have uninterrupted access to Visual Studio and the complete Windows development system from your Mac. 

Adoption of Parallels Desktop for Mac allows developers to continue building and deploying .NET applications on macOS, without any compromise on quality or efficiency.  

The retirement of Visual Studio for Mac signifies that it’s not the end, but a fresh beginning for .NET development on macOS. 

Remote development experiences after the retirement of Visual Studio for Mac

In the increasingly interconnected world of today, the importance of remote development experiences cannot be overstated.  

Tools like Visual Studio Code Remote Development enable developers to work on projects from any device, regardless of their physical location. 

The adoption of remote development experiences can yield numerous benefits including: 

• Enhanced employee retention. 
• Increased productivity. 
• Access to a broader talent pool. 
• Lower infrastructure costs. 

These advantages make remote development experiences utilizing a native RDP client an essential aspect of modern development workflows and a valuable consideration for those transitioning from Visual Studio for Mac. 

Microsoft community involvement and feedback retiring Visual Studio for Mac   

Microsoft welcomes community participation and feedback to enhance alternative development tools and experiences for Mac users.  

Here, Mac users can participate in discussions, share insights, and provide ongoing user feedback, all of which helps developers shape the future of development tools and user experiences on macOS. 

More specifically, developers can join the Visual Studio for Mac Retirement discussion on the Microsoft Developer Network and offer feedback on the retirement process, as well as share their experiences with alternative solutions like Parallels Desktop for Mac. 

Recap: what the retirement of Visual Studio for Mac means for you (as a Mac developer)  

The retirement of Visual Studio for Mac marks a pivotal moment for Mac developers, but with Parallels Desktop for Mac the transition can be a smooth and rewarding journey.  

By embracing it, developers can continue to excel at their craft and develop cutting-edge applications on macOS. 

As we bid farewell to Visual Studio for Mac, let’s embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, harness the power of Parallels Desktop for Mac, and continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the world of software development. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What support and updates will be available for Visual Studio for Mac until its retirement? 

Microsoft will provide essential updates for Visual Studio for Mac until its retirement, such as security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility updates with Apple’s supported platforms. 

What security features does Parallels RAS offer for Mac users? 

Parallels provides robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure tunneling, to safeguard data and applications accessed from Mac devices. 

Can Parallels Desktop be used for both individual and enterprise Mac users? 

Absolutely, Parallels caters to the needs of both individual Mac users and enterprises. It offers flexible deployment options, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes as well as individuals. 

How can I get started with Parallels Desktop for Mac? 

Getting started with Parallels Desktop for Mac is easy. Simply visit the Parallels website, download the Mac client, and follow the setup instructions to enjoy its benefits on your Mac device. 

Embrace Parallels Desktop and start your full-featured free trial now! 

The post Visual Studio for Mac retirement: embrace Parallels Desktop for seamless transition appeared first on Parallels Blog.

It’s finally here! We’re so excited to introduce a new version of Parallels® Desktop: Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac. It is optimized for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey, unveils powerful new features for both Apple M1 and Intel and includes graphics, performance and productivity improvements. 

Watch a video about the highlights in Parallels Desktop 17:  

What are the top new features in Parallels Desktop 17?  

Ready for macOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 

Parallels Desktop 17 will support macOS Monterey as a host and guest operating system (OS) and will be optimized for Windows 11. Get a sneak peek and install the highly anticipated previews of macOS Monterey and Windows 11 to a virtual machine (VM) via the Parallels Desktop 17 Installation Assistant. Check out our two blog posts about how to run macOS Monterey in a VM and how to run Windows 11 in a VM.  

Must-have Speed and Performance Updates 

Applications running with Parallels Desktop 17 on Mac computers with Apple M1¹ and Intel chip now run remarkably faster and more efficiently. Here are some of our performance improvements: 

On all supported Mac computers²:  

• Up to 38% faster Windows, Linux and macOS resume  
• OpenGL graphics perform up to 6 times faster  
• Up to 25% faster 2D graphics in Windows  

On a Mac with Apple M1 chip²:  

• Up to 33% faster Windows 10 on ARM Insider Preview start  
• Up to 20% faster Windows 10 on ARM Insider Preview disk performance  
• Up to 28% better DirectX 11 graphics performance   

On a Mac with Intel processor²:  

• Up to 60% faster network connection on macOS Big Sur (and newer) virtual machine  

Enhanced Windows Gaming Experience:  

The improved display driver in Parallels Desktop 17 delivers a much smoother Windows UI responsiveness and synchronized video playback experience. The new driver boosts the frame rate in many 2D action-platformer games including Foregone, Smelter and many others for a greater gaming experience.  

Powerful New Features for Apple M1 chip Mac 

With Parallels Desktop 17, Windows 10 recognizes Mac battery status and enables battery saving when your Mac runs low of charge. The new virtual TPM chip enables Windows 10 and Windows 11 to use BitLocker and Secure Boot for a higher level of data protection. Enjoy multichannel sound support and jack presence detection with native drivers in Linux VMs. Conveniently use a Linux virtual machine in a windowed view mode with dynamic resolution support—resize the VM window and Linux will refresh the display for the new resolution automatically.    

Coherence Mode Improvement:  

A long-time user favorite feature, Coherence Mode is now used by 80% of Parallels Desktop users, enabling them to run Windows applications and Mac applications side by side, without seeing the Windows desktop. Users now enjoy an uninterrupted and distraction-free workflow as all Windows shutdowns, updates and sign-in screens are windowed, enabling the user to minimize them to stay focused and productive.   

Automatic Resource Manager:  

Users can now experience the Automatic Resource Manager, designed to evaluate and advise on the optimal amount of Mac hardware resources for virtual machines to ensure the best performance every time.    

Seamlessly Drag and Drop Content between Windows and Mac:  

Users now enjoy the ability to drop any text or image between Mac and Windows applications, including between Windows applications and macOS Monterey Quick Note (when available).  

Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Pro Edition:  

Designed to provide the best value to Parallels Desktop power users, developers and IT specialists, Parallels Desktop Pro Edition is Parallels’ most popular selling version, offering all the power of the standard Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac, plus these unique capabilities:   

• Easily Convert a Linked Clone to an Independent Virtual Machine: Responding to the demands of our users, Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Pro Edition enables the creation of an independent virtual machine from a linked clone in just two clicks.   
• Improved Visual Studio Plugin: The Parallels Desktop plugin for Visual Studio, designed to debug code in a standalone VM, now supports Mac computers with Apple M1 chip. Moreover, the plugin installation process with Visual Studio 2019 has been simplified.  

 Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac Business Edition:  

Delivering essential capabilities specifically for enterprise environments, Parallels Desktop 17 Business Edition builds on the power of the Pro version with additional functionality, including:   

• Corporate Virtual Machine Provisioning to Any Mac: Business administrators can now provision pre-configured Windows virtual machines to a mixed fleet of Mac computers with both Intel and Apple M1 chip. IT managers can now specify download links and descriptions in Parallels My Account for both Intel and Apple M1 chip Mac computers, and Parallels Desktop will automatically download the proper image for each individual employee.   
• Deploy Parallels Desktop on a Multi-Architecture Mac Fleet with a Single Package: Parallels Desktop 17 is a universal binary application that makes it possible to create just one mass deployment package that can be used with both Intel- and M1-based Mac computers. With this new option, Parallels Desktop deployment using Mac Management tools and Self-Service Portal is remarkably simple.  

Take a look at all the new features of Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac on our website.  

How to get your copy of Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac   

 If you…  

…are an existing customer, upgrade now.  
…are a new customer, purchase your copy here—or test it for 14 days for free.  
…have just recently purchased Parallels Desktop 16, check out our Tech Guarantee to see if you get a free upgrade.  

Let us know on Facebook or Twitter what your favorite feature in our latest version is. 

____ 

¹ Running VMs on Apple M1 Mac computers in Parallels Desktop 17 requires ARM-based operating systems (OSs). Customers who install guest operating systems in Parallels Desktop virtual machines are responsible for making sure that they are compliant with each OSs’ end-user licensing agreement (EULA). 

² Performance measurements conducted by Parallels. Measured with a prerelease version of Parallels Desktop 17 versus released version of Parallels Desktop 16. The performance will vary based on usage, system configuration and other factors. 

The post Just Released! Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac appeared first on Parallels Blog.

With macOS Catalina dropping support for 32-bit, some users may find themselves without their favorite applications. Now, macOS will warn users prior to upgrading to macOS Catalina and showcase the incompatibility:

In order to continue using your favorite 32-bit applications on macOS Catalina, the software developers will need to update the software to support 64-bit. If the software developer chooses not to do this, users can utilize a virtual machine with Parallels Desktop to run their favorite applications on their Mac.

What is a bit?

By means of Lifewire’s definition, a bit is shorthand for binary digit. In laymen’s terms, this is where you see units of measurements regarding 1s and 0s and can apply to computer networking or memory. Sometimes you’ll see the formatting as “32-bit” or “x32.” These two formats represent the same thing. 

32-bit and 64-bit operating systems

The 32-bit processor was the most popular processor used by computers until the early 1990s. Both Intel Pentium and AMD processors were 32-bit, which means Microsoft’s Windows 95, 98, and XP are all 32-bit operating systems. However, a slight shift occurred in 2003 when Microsoft released a 64-bit version of Windows, and then in 2005 shifted the internal processor to a 64-bit AMD processor.  

Microsoft Windows utilizing a more powerful processor in combination with a more powerful operating system unlocked a lot of potential with improved security, better game performance, and the ability to allocate more memory as needed. Why does this matter? Every personal computer (whether a Mac® or PC) has a 32-bit OS or 64-bit OS, and this dictates the user experience. The OS and the software used is the underlying foundation for our productivity. 

Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs

Simply put, a 64-bit processor is more capable than a 32-bit processor because it can handle more data in any given moment.

The most popular consumer reference to a x64 processor in CPUs or hardware is the Nintendo 64. Hence, the name. Personally, I always thought this was due to 64 games being released with the Nintendo 64 (haha). Nope, it’s due to the processor. Additionally, through a popular HowStuffWorks article, I’ve learned that this specific processor was a customized chip system that was named the 64-bit R4300i “Reality Engine.” (Insert an oooh and an ahhhhh here.)

What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit software?

HowToGeek outlined a very helpful article: “Why are most programs still 32-bit on a 64-bit version of Windows.” It provides useful information about why users should care about the difference and how it effects their productivity. 

The biggest and most simple way to answer what the difference is between 32x and 64x software is that the 64x version will be more secure and reliable. 

How to check if a macOS application is 32-bit or 64-bit

If you’re on macOS® Mojave, it’s quite easy to see if any application on your Mac is either 32- or 64-bit. Follow this pathway:

Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report

From the System Report, scroll to Software > Applications> Select your desired Application

Depending on the applications on your Mac, you may see mostly 64-bit, some 32-bit, or all 32-bit. This is entirely dependent on your personal setup. 

How to run older 32-bit operating systems and applications on your Mac

Running older 32-bit operating systems or software on your Mac is quick and easy. With Parallels Desktop® for Mac, you can virtualize any 32-bit operating system in a virtual machine and run your needed application. 32-bit operating systems could be either macOS or Windows. For example, this is what a 32-bit macOS virtual machine looks like in Parallels Desktop:

Running a macOS virtual machine on the macOS with Parallels Desktop may seem a bit redundant, but it is absolutely necessary for users who need older 32-bit operating systems or applications. It’s also necessary for developers to code, test, and deploy without buying secondary machines. 

Downloading a free trial of Parallels Desktop is easy! Simply download the .dmg, create a new virtual machine with the operating system needed, and run the application to get started. 

The post 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit and Why It Matters appeared first on Parallels Blog.

This post is part of a series about features unique to Parallels Desktop Pro Edition.

Nowadays, many applications require a network connection for some or even all of their features. Examples range from the simple to the complex. There’s the Apple Books app or Amazon’s Kindle app, which keep track of what page you’re on in a book so you can easily keep reading on any of your devices. Then there’s applications that give you the ability to remotely control another computer, like the Apple Remote Desktop or Parallels Access®.

If you’re a developer or tester of an application that uses the network, you need to know how your application behaves in a variety of networks: 3G or 4G cellular, a network that’s “noisy” with lots of other activity, or one with a faulty infrastructure that results in uneven network performance. The Network Conditioner feature in Parallels Desktop® for Mac Pro Edition is designed to make it very easy to simulate a wide variety of networks so this testing can be done economically.

A developer or tester is able to configure the desired network conditions for any Parallels Desktop virtual machine (VM) using the dialog shown, with all its menu choices, in Figure 1. The network conditions can be changed even while the VM is running.

Figure 1_The Network Conditioner dialog

Video 1 shows the Network Conditioner checking the performance of the Apache web server running in Ubuntu.

In addition to the Network Conditioner, video 1 shows another feature of Parallels Desktop Pro Edition: a set of developer menu commands, including Start SSH Session, Open in Browser, Start Debugging Session, and Generate Core Dump. The Open in Browser command is used in the video. This command launches the default browser on the Mac®, and “points” the browser at the VM (the Ubuntu VM in this case). If that VM is serving up webpages, then the browser will display these pages. Personally, I would always use a menu command rather than type a command into the Terminal or type a URL into a browser. However, if you prefer to type, then the end of the video will be particularly interesting to you. It shows a cool but hidden feature: the names of running VMs are, in effect, entered in the Domain Name Server. You can just type the name of the VM (instead of the IP address) as a URL, as I do at the end of the video.

The exact setup used in Video 1 was:

• Hardware: MacBook Pro® (15”, 2016)
• Host OS: macOS® Mojave 10.14.3 with Safari 12.0.3
• Parallels Desktop Pro Edition, 14.1.2
• Guest OS: Ubuntu 18.04 running the Apache2 HTTP Server

If you use the Network Conditioner in Parallels Desktop Pro Edition, please let us know in the below comments, or on Twitter or Facebook. We’d especially love to hear any additional features you would like to see in future versions of the Network Conditioner.

Learn more about all the features in Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and download a free 14-day trial.

The post The Network Conditioner in Parallels Desktop Pro Edition appeared first on Parallels Blog.

“I would recommend other developers take a good look at the new Pro Edition. With its integrated productivity and network tools and support for cloud services, it is practically the only option for programmers and app developers in my opinion.” ~ Rafael Regh, Student Developer

Award-winning student-developer Rafael Regh needed to simultaneously develop professional apps for different operating systems, presenting significant challenges not just from a software perspective but also from a hardware perspective. Based on recommendations from the developer community, Regh considered Parallels Desktop and was impressed–simple switching between Mac OS, Windows, and Linux was exactly what he was looking for.

Key Results

• Ability to create different scenarios in conjunction with Visual Studio
• Integrated productivity and network tools
• Support for cloud services

The User

Rafael Regh, a student of Media and IT Communications at Rhine-Waal University, has been developing apps since the age of 15. However, the 20-year-old is not just any developer. The list of awards that Regh has won in this short amount of time is impressive. Awards such as “Best Windows Phone App of the Year 2014,” “Best Windows 8 App 2013,” a winner’s certificate for the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2014 in the World Citizenship category, and first place in the Windows Phone Coding Camp, to name just a few, show the extraordinary skill of the young computer scientist. Regh’s work has even caused a stir in the German Parliament, which now uses an application Regh and a small team created in 2013 as its official Windows 8 app.

Regh’s passion for developing apps was sparked by a Microsoft information event at Regh’s former school, where the brand new Windows Phone was unveiled along with other products. His first ambitious projects such as a physics app and a developer tool were born out of his fascination with the opportunity to gain immediate feedback for his ideas and developments through an app store. It should be no surprise that Regh soon came to Microsoft’s attention and was invited to participate in the MS Student Partner program at a Windows Phone event in Cologne in 2010. As part of the global development program for technology-savvy students and as a Microsoft youth advisor, Regh gives presentations at schools and universities on issues relating to app development and cloud services in addition to his current projects.

Initial Situation

Although his initial focus was on applications for Windows and the Windows Phone, Regh soon turned his attention to creating cross-platform applications. Using his favored development environment of Microsoft Visual Studio, which enables the programming of native Win32/Win64 programs, Windows Apps, dynamic websites, applications for .NET Framework, and mobile apps for Windows Phone, Android, and iOS, he had a powerful tool at his disposal.

The simultaneous development of professional apps for different operating systems in all relevant versions presents significant challenges not just from a software perspective. Professional developers also require high-performance hardware that does not become a limiting factor in resource-intensive procedures. Regh had two options: either build a machine pool consisting of Windows, MacOS, and Linux machines, or opt for a platform which would allow the development of apps for all operating systems with no functional limitations. Understandably, this was not a difficult decision.

The Solution

Because the only hardware the enables the development and testing of Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux applications on a single machine is produced by Apple, Regh decided to use a 15-inch MacBook Pro. Instead of a whole array of computers, he now had a mobile device which enabled him to take his development environment with him wherever his frequent travels took him. He was, however, missing a high-performance virtualization solution enabling simple and fast switching between different operating systems to make programming and testing of apps for different platforms as efficient as possible.

Based on the very positive feedback he received from the developer community, Regh examined Parallels Desktop in detail and was impressed by the results.

The post Case Study: Parallels Desktop is Vital for Cross-Platform Development appeared first on Parallels Blog.