does parallel really work?

Discussion in 'Parallels Workstation for Windows and Linux' started by hnhelton, Feb 14, 2007.

  1. hnhelton

    hnhelton Bit poster

    Messages:
    2
    I am a pc user and I need of a new desktop. My son and friends have macs. I have hundreds of pc documents created in wordperfect. I do all my finances on a windows financial program. I have research software; all windows based.

    So, will parallel take care of my documents, software needs until I have completely turned over everything to mac software?

    I heard that the computer slows down using parallel. Is this true? Will the 17", 512 ram, 160 gig harddrive mac desktop take care of my needs while using parallel.

    I need a "parallel" user to answer.
    Thanks,
    hnhelton
     
  2. SteveRichards

    SteveRichards Junior Member

    Messages:
    17
    You don't say what OS you will be virtualizing but I presume it is XP.

    First, 512MB is not sufficient. You will want at a minimum 1GB and probably 2GB would be better.

    A dual processor version (core 2 duo) of the MAC would be a good choice and make your performance acceptable (with the 1GB+ memory).

    I can't speak for the stability of a MAC host.
     
  3. lijan

    lijan Bit poster

    Messages:
    4
  4. Hugh Watkins

    Hugh Watkins Forum Maven

    Messages:
    943
    YES YES YES since June 2006

    yes put in 2 gb memory
    all machines ship with a minimum memory to keep the list price down

    Do not go this way if you want major graphics for the latest games - use a dedicated WIn Xp sp2 growling games work station

    Most of us long term mac users use 2 screens so add a 22 inch to the 17 inch

    best to keep documents backed up on an external hard drive or on the web PC or Mac or on a networked file server x 2

    I do my online banking x 4 on parallels
    a VM has to be managed like any other WinXp machine
    avoid vista just now - one system new to you would be enough to cope with
    it will take you a few weeks to learn

    so maintain your old system as a back up

    Hugh W
     

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