8. Application Testing

There were no outstanding issues when running applications in Parallels VM of XP. Applications performed as expected here. Boot Camp Native XP tended to run the fastest, this was especially true when downloading large files or writing large files. However, Parallels VM of XP was almost as fast and occasionally faster. Parallels VM of Boot Camp XP was always the slowest and sometimes painfully so. It took 4-5 minutes to get Word up and ready to use. The other two "machines" had no problems running any of the Office Suite and were very similar in feel when running the same application.

Since CD burning applications use variable burning speed to prevent buffer under runs, I used the total time to burn a disk. CD burning was very close for Boot Camp Native XP and Parallels VM of XP. However, Parallels VM of Boot Camp XP was barely able to burn CD's.

The fact that none of the applications failed to work is promising, but does not mean Parallels is bullet proof and will run every application. However, with that said, I was able to use not only Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007, Nero and Roxio CD burning, I was even able to use a custom VPN client with no problem. I am pleased that everything I use daily worked.

Summary

Tests clearly show that running Windows XP natively with Boot Camp provides the best overall performance. It provides the ability to access the actual hardware and this allows you to play games like Company of Heroes and most likely run any 3D rendering application, while Parallels VM of XP will not.

This does not mean that Parallels is useless. Far from it, the VM system works very well when providing access to Windows based applications in OS X. This might make it worth the cost because who wants to buy Microsoft Office for both OS's. Parallels also allows for simulating machines running multiple OS for use by IT support staff. It is great for running Windows 98, NT, 2000, Server 2003 and even Linux just like users or customers do.

Parallels lets you pause or suspend a virtual machine so that you can quickly restart an OS or move from one OS to another. The suspend feature in Parallels is the fastest of any I have used and I use VMware and Virtual PC/Server regularly.

The ability to import VMs from other applications, such as VMWare and Virtual PC, adds further value for IT staff by allowing any existing VM to be supported under Parallels.

Coherence is one of the nicest features of this or any VM application. It lets you use Windows based programs and still have the look and feel of OS X.

The ability to use a Boot Camp XP disk as a VM in Parallels works, but is very disappointing. It runs very slowly. However, it has some utility. Parallels VM of Boot Camp XP can be used to move files and easily share applications between OS X and XP on a dual boot system. Of course there are plenty of other ways to move files between systems so this really might not be the best solution. What about using a USB flash drive? But then you would have to reboot and select the proper drive.