Parallels Promo Codes and Guides

Parallels vs Virtualbox, is a side by side comparison of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac a proprietary program considered by a lot of users and recognized by Mac as a leader in virtualization technology as against Virtualbox a freeware from Oracle, the second largest software corporation, but before Parallels vs Virtualbox is discussed it is important to define virtualization. Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual Operating system, program, memory, network, and/or connectivity which allows a user to use on Mac unit as if there were two.

Now, on to Parallels vs Virtualbox. Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is the leading name in virtualization. Parallels vs Virtualbox benchmark tests clearly show that Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is the virtualization program of choice. In MacTech Labs test also show that Parallels software outperforms its competitors in most tests. It provides superior 3D graphics, Fast and reliable network sharing, fast and easy boot time, and many other features to make side by side Operating system utilization as user friendly as possible. Known limitations of Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac is the fact that it is proprietary, meaning the program and upgrades has to be bought, and also there are the OVA and Ubuntu compatibility issues.

Virtualbox is a Free Source x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product available for Home and Enterprise. The core package version 4.0 was released December of 2010 as a Freeware under GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2). However the extension package is proprietary software.

Like Parallels the software runs on a wide range of Operating Systems and/or programs available on the net. Parallels vs Virtualbox in terms of functionality, speed and graphics shows Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac as the clear winner. However Virtualbox has the advantage of being free and readily available in the internet. This means a user does not need to pay for the program and has free access to some upgrades and tweaks and a host of other support systems made available by Oracle.

Virtualbox is cross platform, in lay mans terms means the user has the same interface and general experience in Mac OS X, Microsoft and/or Linux. The main problem most users encounter is that the Enterprise version is not as developed as the Home version. This means that it is better used at home and Corporations who require a lot of networking and servers are better off using Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac.

In closing, the Parallels vs Virtualbox comparison has shown that Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac has the advantage of having a solid virtualization platform that is both fast, produces eye popping 3D graphics and is user friendly and has well developed Home and Enterprise versions of their virtualization program. Whereas, Virtualbox has the advantage of mainly being Freeware and the advantage of a cross platform base. Therefore, Parallels vs Virtualbox is still a question of user preference and requirements.