Running more than one operating system: Cross Platform Software and Virtual Machines

24Jan/100

Cross platform software like Parallels Desktop for Mac lets you run multiple operating systems at once (iStockphoto)

Since I made the switch to a Mac back in November 2008, I've really enjoyed the user experience. For my personal use, Mac OS X offers pretty much everything I need, from chat clients like Adium, to a very good Office Suite with Open Office. However, while I've almost completely stepped away from Windows for my personal use, I still have to use Windows XP every single day at work (this makes me sad).

Why virtual machines?

At first, I thought I would just buy a copy of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, but I read about incompatibilities between the Mac and Windows versions, particularly if you are creating and editing complex documents. I had the same issue with Open Office. Instead of dealing with incompatibility headaches, why not just run Windows on my Mac? That way, I can run whatever Windows-based program I need for work.

I considered using Boot Camp, which is a feature bundled with Mac OS X that allows you to boot into Windows. However, I didn't want the headache of having to reboot every time I wanted to switch between Windows and Mac OS X. Instead, I opted to purchase a copy of Parallels Desktop for Mac, which allows you to run Windows within Mac OS X.

Parallels Desktop for Mac

Parallels works by creating virtual machines that run inside the Mac OS X environment. Mac OS X acts as a host operating system for the virtual machines. The virtual machines are basically programs that act like a physical computer. After the virtual machine is created, you can install whatever operating system you want on the virtual machine. At one time, I had separate virtual machines for Windows XP, Windows 7 RC 1, and Ubuntu Linux. Now, I only have a Windows XP virtual machine for work.

Blue Screen of Death? No Problem!

The great thing about using virtual machines is that if they crash, you can just restart them like you are rebooting a physical computer. However, restarting a virtual machine doesn't affect your host operating system. For example, if you're working in Windows XP virtual machine and you run into an application crash, you can restart your Windows XP virtual machine without affecting Mac OS X.

The Power of Choice

The great thing about running virtual machines is that you can select whatever operating system you want without having to reboot your computer. Also, running a Windows virtual machine on a Mac essentially means that you own both a Mac and Windows machine. You can switch between them as needed.

Viruses and Spyware

One thing you do have to remember is that you do need to protect your Windows virtual machine as if you would a real, physical Windows computer. It's probably a good idea to install antivirus and antispyware programs. You should also run Windows Update on a regular basis to make sure your Windows virtual machine has the latest patches and fixes.

One good thing about virtual machines is that if one gets infected with a virus or spyware, you can just delete the virtual machine without it harming the rest of your computer.

Action Items

If you think that running virtual machines is something you want to do, click here to purchase some cross platform software. I prefer Parallels Desktop for Mac, but I've heard very good things about VMware Fusion as well.
Tell me about your experiences or questions regarding running more than one operating system on your computer. Comment in the comments section of this post or send me an e-mail!

Note: The cross platform software link is an affiliate link. This means that if you click the above link and subsequently make a purchase, I will receive a commission for referring the sale.

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