I just purchased retail version of Parallels for Mac. I have not installed it yet; but I want to actually use the new features of the 3036 beta build. So, Should I just install the beta download, and NOT my retail copy, or do I need to install my retail copy first, before I can even use 3036 build?
As long as your retail version is an English version, your activation key will work for the beta, and you can install it without installing a release version. Of course the beta is beta, and may not be as stable as the released version so adjust expectations accordingly.