Parallels Desktop 6 Switch to Mac

Since Apple started using Intel processors (as used in Windows PCs) in its Mac computers a few years ago, it's been possible to use the Windows operating system on a Mac, rather than the built-in Mac OS X.

Parallels Desktop allows Mac users to do just that. Apple's own Boot Camp software does something similar, but Parallels is designed to be easier to use. What's more, as it creates a virtual version of your Windows computer on the Mac desktop, you get access to all the files and programs you had on your old computer and there's no need to restart your computer to switch between Mac OS X and Windows. This made it feel almost seamless to use the whole Windows operating system and Windows-compatible software.

Parallels Desktop has been around for a while and this latest version is easier to use and better integrated into the look of the Mac. There are different ways to use it: you can either have a window on the Mac containing a full version of the Windows desktop (which can also be viewed full-screen) or you can run Windows programs straight from the Mac's ‘Dock' (the equivalent of the Start menu in Windows) without having to start the full Windows system.

Getting Parallels up and running was easy enough. The software comes with a manual that takes users through the steps needed to get the Windows operating system (or indeed other operating systems, such as Linux) running on the Mac.

Files can be transferred from PC to Mac using an external hard disk, over a network or the supplied cable – using the cable, the process took us about an hour.

Having copied our computer, Windows performance on the Mac was sluggish, dipping noticeably when we opened two browser windows and photo-editing software. When running the copied version of Windows XP in full-screen mode, Parallels struggled to keep up, or just crashed.

However, we then installed Windows on the Mac (using Parallels) from scratch and this was far quicker and more usable. We experienced barely any noticeable slowdown and were impressed with how well Parallels ran two operating systems either as one or side by side.

It doesn't come with Windows, so you will need your own copy to install. If your computer came with Windows installed, the licence terms will probably not allow you to copy it to another computer (though in practice no-one will know) so check before doing so if you are concerned.

The Switch to Mac edition comes with some great, easy-to-follow tutorials on getting Windows running on a Mac and also with tips for new Mac users, rounding off an excellent package. Parallels is a well put-together piece of software that does an excellent job.