A Parallels question...

[StarShot]

I've been using Parallels since version 4. However, my memory is NOT what it used to be. I just received a new MBA 13 and I want to set it up the same way my MBA 11 is. I seem to remember that I first installed Parallels on it and then Windows 7 on the "11".

As I remember, there are 2 options. One is to run Bootcamp and then install Windows 7 or 8. A decision as to what OS is going to be run has to be made on booting up. Parallels never enters the picture.

If instead, I install Parallels, it will then prompt me to install Windows and I can go back and forth without rebooting. So, with Bootcamp, I don't need Parallels. Is that right?

I'm mainly an OS-X guy, but I like/need the option to occasionally run a Windows program.

I realize this is a stupid question, but I want to get it right.

 

[Andrew@Parallels]

Hi Charles,

Parallels Desktop does not bring you to the OS selection screen. It's an application running on Mac OS X side and you launch your Windows/Linux/whatever virtual machine when working on the Mac side without rebooting.
Apple BootCamp is a utility which helps to create a separate Windows partition on your Mac hard drive and that's where you have a OS selection screen upon booting up.

Also whatever way you prefer, Parallels Desktop can both create a standalone VM on your Mac HD or use your existing BootCamp as a primary drive. In either way you won't have to restart your Mac to access your Windows apps.

And one more note - if the virtual machine you were using on your old Mac is standalone (not based on BootCamp), you can simply copy/paste it to the new Mac and you will have all your Windows apps and files with no need to reinstall anything. Hope this helps.