Some questions about Parallels

I've been using Bootcamp for two years. Now I'm thinking I'd prefer to use a Parallels VM to run Windows XP and ditch Bootcamp. I have installed Parallels Build 5608 and it seems to be working fine.

Is Parallels as stable and safe against data loss?

I have 2 printers running off a single USB port on the iMac (20" 2GHz Core Duo circa mid 2006) and Win in Parallels VM cannot see these printers at all. They are connected to non-powered USB extender that works fine in Bootcamp. Is this a known problem in Parallels?

In fact, when I attach either USB printer directly to the iMac I still cannot install the printer in the Parallels VM (one is a Xerox 6180 color laser, and one an Epson 1400 13" color inkjet). Both printers work fine in OSX.

When running Win in Parallels is it okay to just shut down Parallels (and thus "suspend" the VM) for long periods? Or is this less stable than shutting Win down?

I have 2GB of memory, which I think is the most this machine will take. What should I set the VM for (presently at 1024MB with 32MB for video mem).

I plan on buying a new 24" 2.8GHz iMac. With 4GB ram, will this substantially increase the speed of operations in the Parallels VM (allocating, say, 2 GB to the VM)?

Finally, in general, would you recommend relying on Parallels for all work in Windows (which is considerable for me, though some could be moved to OSX). Here I especially would like to hear from longtime satisfied users depending on Parallels successfully. There are so many horror stories here that I'd hope to find out there are plenty of success stories, too.

Many thanks for your patience and your answers,

fbx

 

Please see answers inline:

In fact, when I attach either USB printer directly to the iMac I still cannot install the printer in the Parallels VM (one is a Xerox 6180 color laser, and one an Epson 1400 13" color inkjet). Both printers work fine in OSX.

Please make sure that Parallels Desktop -<Virtual Machine name>-Edit-Virtual Machine -USB Controller is selected connect to Guest oS, but in this case you will not be abble to print at the same time from Mac, I suggest you to install Shared Printer as described in Parallels Desktop for Mac user guide from http://www.parallels.com/en/download/file/doc/Parallels_Desktop_for_Mac_User_Guide.pdf on page 135


When running Win in Parallels is it okay to just shut down Parallels (and thus "suspend" the VM) for long periods? Or is this less stable than shutting Win down?

Suspended is hibernate mode emulation, so , there is no problems.

I have 2GB of memory, which I think is the most this machine will take. What should I set the VM for (presently at 1024MB with 32MB for video mem).

It is ok

I plan on buying a new 24" 2.8GHz iMac. With 4GB ram, will this substantially increase the speed of operations in the Parallels VM (allocating, say, 2 GB to the VM)?

10.5.3 and build 5608, usually no problem for such settings on MacPro

Finally, in general, would you recommend relying on Parallels for all work in Windows (which is considerable for me, though some could be moved to OSX). Here I especially would like to hear from longtime satisfied users depending on Parallels successfully. There are so many horror stories here that I'd hope to find out there are plenty of success stories, too.

No comment

 

FBX:

I use parallels for VPN access (non Cisco) for a client I have been setting up with a paperless medical records and financial system to run their hospitals. Since it is IE the app requires IE exclusively I have no choice and have found parallels to let me run their VPN client software and anything else to connect to the host system (IBM) with no issues.

I have been using Parallels since version 2 and have been extremely pleased with it and recommend it to my customers that are migrating to a mac platform.

MV

 

I use Parallels to run Dragon NS 9.5 (quite a demanding application), a specialist accounting app that doesn't have a Mac version, and - occasionally - to see video that will only work with Explorer. I don't run games or CAD type stuff and have gotten rid of my Boot Camp partition.

I can't discern any difference in speed between Parallels and Boot Camp - but no comparison in the convenience factor. By definition you're only going to get problems in this forum but there are plenty of satisfied users.

Tom

 

Thanks. This seems to work for the Xerox color laser where having control of the output is non-essential. I can run the Epson in the VM as a USB printer now, too, although I must shut down or suspend the VM to run the same printer from OSX--a small penalty if a penalty at all. I may go back and set the Xerox so that I have access to all of it's controls in the VM, and then, if I need to suspend the VM to run it in OSX I can can do that readily.

And P.S., Why no comment on the overall recommendation?

 

The situation is that due to nature of Mac OS USB devices can work either in mac OS or in VM. maybe one printer set as Shared Printer, another connect to another computer?