Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is a powerful software that allows users to run Windows applications on their Mac computers. One of the key features of this software is the ability to support different formats, making it versatile and compatible with various operating systems.
Virtual Machine
At the core of Parallels Desktop 12 is the concept of a virtual machine (VM). A VM is essentially a software emulation of a computer system. It allows users to run different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or even older versions of macOS, on their Mac computers without the need for separate hardware.
Supported Formats
Parallels Desktop 12 supports a wide range of formats, including VHD, VHDX, VMDK, and more. These formats are commonly used for virtual machines and allow users to create, import, and export VMs seamlessly.
VHD
The VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) format is a file format that represents a virtual hard disk drive. It is compatible with Windows and can be used to store the entire contents of a VM, including the operating system, applications, and data. Parallels Desktop 12 allows users to create and use VHD files with ease.
VHDX
VHDX is an improved version of the VHD format, introduced in Windows Server 2012. It offers enhanced performance, reliability, and scalability compared to its predecessor. Parallels Desktop 12 fully supports VHDX files, allowing users to take advantage of these benefits when using virtual machines.
VMDK
VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk) is a file format used by VMware virtualization software. Parallels Desktop 12 can work with VMDK files, making it compatible with virtual machines created in VMware. This allows for easy migration of VMs between different virtualization platforms.
With the support for various formats, Parallels Desktop 12 provides users with flexibility and freedom to run different operating systems and work with virtual machines seamlessly on their Mac computers.
Different Formats Supported in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is a powerful virtualization software that allows you to run other operating systems on your Mac. It supports a wide range of formats, making it easy to use and compatible with different types of software and files.
Here are some of the formats supported in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac:
- Operating Systems Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports various operating system formats, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This means you can run different versions of these operating systems on your Mac without the need for a separate computer.
- Virtual Disk Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports popular virtual disk formats like VMDK, VDI, VHD, and Parallels Containers. These formats allow you to store and access virtual machine data efficiently.
- Application Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports different application formats, such as EXE files for Windows applications and DMG files for macOS applications. This allows you to install and run a wide range of software seamlessly on your Mac.
- Document Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports various document formats, including Microsoft Office files (DOC, XLS, PPT), PDF files, and more. This makes it easy to work with different types of documents across different operating systems.
- Image Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports popular image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF. This means you can view and edit images using native Mac applications or Windows-based applications within the virtual environment.
- Audio and Video Formats: Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports a wide range of audio and video formats, allowing you to play and edit multimedia files seamlessly. Whether it’s MP3, MP4, AVI, or MOV, you can enjoy your multimedia files without any compatibility issues.
These are just a few examples of the formats supported in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac. With its wide compatibility, you can use this software to run different operating systems, access various types of files, and work with different software seamlessly on your Mac.
Benefits of Different Formats in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac offers several different formats that provide users with a range of benefits. These formats allow users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems seamlessly on their Mac computers. Here are some of the key benefits of the different formats available in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac:
1. Full Integration
One of the major benefits of using Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac is the ability to integrate the Windows or Linux operating system fully into the Mac environment. With this integration, users can run Windows or Linux applications directly from the Mac’s dock, and they can also open Windows files using Mac applications and vice versa.
This full integration makes it easier for users to switch between the different operating systems and improves productivity by allowing seamless collaboration between Windows and Mac applications.
2. High Performance
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac offers different formats that prioritize performance to ensure a smooth and efficient experience when running Windows or Linux applications. The different formats are optimized to take advantage of the Mac’s hardware, including the processor, memory, and graphics capabilities, to deliver high performance.
For users who require demanding applications or resource-intensive tasks, the different formats in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac allow them to allocate more resources to the virtual machine, ensuring that it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
3. Flexibility and Compatibility
The different formats in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac offer users flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of operating systems and applications. Whether users need to run Windows 10, Ubuntu, or other popular Linux distributions, Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac provides the necessary compatibility and flexibility.
Additionally, Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac allows users to import existing virtual machines from other virtualization software, making it easy to transition from other platforms without losing any data or settings.
In conclusion, the different formats in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac offer users a range of benefits, including full integration, high performance, and flexibility. Whether users need to run Windows or Linux applications, Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac provides a seamless and efficient experience on their Mac computers.
How to Choose the Right Format in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac
When using Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, it’s important to select the right format for your virtual machines. Choosing the right format can greatly impact the performance and compatibility of your virtual machines. Here are some tips to help you choose the right format:
1. Consider your needs: Before selecting a format, consider what you will be using your virtual machine for. Are you using it for testing purposes or for running a specific operating system or software? This will help determine which format is best suited for your needs.
2. Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the format with the operating systems and software you plan to run in your virtual machine. Some formats may work better with Mac OS X, while others may be more compatible with Windows or Linux.
3. Performance: Evaluate the performance of different formats. Some formats may provide better performance and faster boot times, while others may require more system resources.
4. Disk space: Consider the amount of disk space required by different formats. Some formats may take up more disk space than others, which can be a factor if you have limited storage on your Mac.
5. Easy migration: If you plan to transfer virtual machines between different versions of Parallels Desktop or to other virtualization software, consider the ease of migration between formats. Some formats may be easier to migrate than others.
By considering your needs, compatibility, performance, disk space, and ease of migration, you can choose the right format in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac that suits your requirements. Remember to regularly update Parallels Desktop and its virtualization formats to ensure compatibility and performance improvements.
What are the different formats supported in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac?
Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac supports various formats such as ISO, DMG, VHD, and VHDX.
How do I create a virtual machine using Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac?
To create a virtual machine in Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac, you need to click on the “+” sign in the control center, select “New,” and then choose the desired operating system and installation media.
