Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac vs. VirtualBox: A Comparison

As a Mac user, I have found myself in situations where I need to run Windows applications on my machine. Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac has been my go-to solution for this problem. With Parallels, I can run these apps with as little Windows interference as possible and almost pretend I am running them natively in Mac OS only.

However, there are situations where Parallels may not be the best option. For instance, I have a few work-related applications that are unfortunately Windows-only and require hardware dongles with specialty drivers - again, only available for Windows. In such cases, VirtualBox has been my savior.

What is VirtualBox?

VirtualBox is a community-driven project backed by Oracle, which ensures that the product meets professional quality standards. It's an open-source virtualization platform that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. The best part? It's completely free and available under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.

Features and Capabilities

VirtualBox is an extremely feature-rich and high-performance product that supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Solaris, OS/2, and OpenBSD. It also runs on various host platforms such as Windows, Linux, Macintosh, and Solaris. With frequent releases and an ever-growing list of features, VirtualBox is constantly improving.

Why Choose VirtualBox?

So why choose VirtualBox over Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac? For one, VirtualBox is free and open-source, making it an attractive option for those who want a professional solution without the hefty price tag. Additionally, VirtualBox's community-driven approach ensures that it continues to evolve and improve with each release.

In conclusion, while Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac has been my go-to solution for running Windows applications on my Mac, I have found VirtualBox to be a viable alternative in situations where specialized hardware or software requirements are involved. With its powerful features, high-performance capabilities, and commitment to open-source development, VirtualBox is an excellent choice for both enterprise and home users.

Related Jobs

If you're interested in contributing to the VirtualBox project, Oracle has several job openings available, including a senior developer position in 3D area (Europe/Russia/India), System Administrator/Quality Engineer (Germany), and VirtualBox Principal Software Developer (US, UK, Romania). Check out their website for more information.

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