Is the Parallels desktop beta application free?

Question

Is the Parallels desktop beta application free?

I'm wondering whether I need to buy parallels or just use the free beta version (3036) on their site? I hear you need an activation key, is this required for the beta version or is the beta version just for upgrades?

Thanks a lot to anyone who can help out.

2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB ram, 160g HD, Mac OS X (10.4.8), Macbook Pro 15.4

Posted on Dec 3, 2006 9:10 PM

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Answer 1

mecklists

Level 4

1,795 points

Dec 3, 2006 10:03 PM in response to carlosasolorzano

Why don't you post your question in the Parallels forums on their website?

The purpose of betas is to allow enthusiasts of software the ability to preview features as well as contribute to the better good of a product by finding bugs. Betas are short-lived and not replacements for the real product. They're not a method of obtaining free software.

bill

1 GHz Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 2

Dec 4, 2006 8:28 PM in response to carlosasolorzano

Parallels does offer a 15-day trial key which will work on the current release version or the beta that you mention. In practice that does turn out to be enough time for someone to determine if Parallels is going to work for them and whether they should buy a permanent key. As Bill said, if you're going to use the software on a daily basis you'll need to buy a permanent key.

Parallels has actually been amazingly good to its user base by making numerous internal builds -- and some are truly incremental releases, but others such as this current one are real betas of new features that still need to have the edges polished before general release -- available to those who are willing to live closer to the bleeding edge. However since there is a functional general release version available, you won't find them giving out long term beta keys or renewing one after the 15-day period expires.

Intel Mini 1.66 GHz, Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8)
Vista and XP running under Parallels

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