Do I need virus protection running Parallels with Windows 7 programs

The need for virus protection is the same on a virtual machine as on a physical one.

You did not mention what product Parallels included, but if it is for OS X, do not install it.

Windows needs its own anti-virus utilities. Whatever you decide to install on the Windows VM does not affect OS X.

Richard Bost wrote:

I'm still kinda new to Apple as far as Mac Pro And appreciate your help.

This really isn't an Apple issue, though. Just to clarify, unless you're a Windows expert, you probably need anti-virus software on the Windows system running within Parallels. However, you do not need, and should not install, anti-virus software on the Mac itself. That would not protect the virtual Windows system, and is not need on the Mac.

I USED to run Parallels and VM Fusionware, as my work used Windows. I was never really comfortable with either, and had several issues with each over the years. From what I remember, if your virtual machine got a virus, you could just erase the VM to get rid of the virus, if nothing else worked, and you had a data backup.

I now have an SSD, which makes booting up MUCH quicker, and so have moved to Apple's Bootcamp. As I really don't cruise the net or check email via Windows, my virus exposure is way down on that side of the machine. And I'm still very careful as to what I download thru Windows (normally, just my program and applicable Apple updates). However, with Bootcamp, I can no longer run (or erase) a VM.

I do use AVG (anti virus software), which is free, on Windows, and as far as I can tell, it does its job.

If you are running W8 or newer I would not recommend installing AVG (or anything else) Windows Defender (included) is better and less obtrusive, oh, and included with Windows.

Thanks, I'd forgotten about that. Just really don't monkey around with Windows much anymore.