Is using Parallels bad for the computer?

Question

Level 1

24 points

Is using Parallels bad for the computer?

I heard that since using Parallels is unnatural for the computer it will lessen the lifespan of MacBook and make it more prone to virus. True?

MacBook Pro 15 inch (bought in 2010), Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Apr 5, 2011 8:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

Apr 5, 2011 8:39 AM in response to shroudlupe

Running Parallels is the same as running any other program. As was previously mentioned, you should run a Windows antivirus program to keep your Windows installation secure, but any virus that could possibly infect your Windows installation, cannot infect your Mac.

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 5, 2011 8:54 AM in response to shroudlupe

No. Running Parallels (or VMWare) is no more taxing than using any other piece of software and won't damage your computer.

If you run Windows in Parallels, you should treat that VM as if it were a physical computer with regard to anti-virus software. While your Mac is essentially immune to viruses, your Windows virtual machine is still susceptible and it could be infected if you aren't careful. If it does get infected, it's not going to harm the Mac or OS X, but it will affect the virtual machine.

Reply

Answer 3

Aug 5, 2011 12:34 PM in response to shroudlupe

a partition on your hard drive will in no way shorten the life of your computer. One comment I have for you is that I would suggest using bootcamp instead of Parallels. Windows running off of boot camp is the way to go period. I have found that VM ware and Parallels do not give you the same performance as bootcamp will.

Reply

Answer 4

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

Aug 5, 2011 1:05 PM in response to shroudlupe

http://www.parallels.com/eula/

1.2. Scope of Use. You may use one copy of the Software activated by a license key on a single server (virtual or physical) owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by you. If you have multiple license keys for the Software, you may make and use as many copies of the Software as you have license keys. For purposes of this Agreement, "use" of the software means loading the Software into the temporary or permanent memory of a computer. Installation of the Software on a network server solely for distribution to other computers is not "use" of the Software, and is permitted, as long as you have a license key for each server (virtual or physical) to which the Software is distributed. The Software may not be used on or distributed to a greater number of computers than you have license keys. If you use or distribute the Software to multiple users, you must ensure that the number of users does not exceed the number of license keys you have obtained, or you will be in breach of this Agreement.

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 5, 2011 8:22 AM in response to shroudlupe

Not true. Just a virtual machine. If running any Windows you should run all the normal antivirus to protect that OS.

Reply

Answer 6

shroudlupe Author

Level 1

24 points

Aug 5, 2011 12:04 PM in response to J D McIninch

Thank you. I think this is a stupid qusetion but if one of your family member has Parallels installed on they computer can you use the same copy on another computer?

Reply

Answer 7

Aug 5, 2011 12:39 PM in response to shroudlupe

You should check the Parallels site to see if their licensing allows installation on more than one computer.

Reply