Feb 28, 2010 Posted by Admin on Feb 28, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Installing Parallels Desktop for Apple Computers

Parallels Desktop is an application created to run a copy of Windows in a virtual environment. It allows you to run windows in full-screen mode, windowed mode, or my favourite, cohesion mode. In cohesion mode, your native mac desktop also has the windows start bar along the bottom; Windows applications open and run side by side with mac applications, creating a seamless integration of both operating systems.

To understand how to install Parallels, you have to understand how Parallels works. The Parallels window is essentially a ‘virtual machine’. The idea is that window contains an entire virtual computer. On this virtual computer, you install a copy of the Windows operating system. As a result, you need a Windows install CD, a legitimate CD Key, and around 4 gigabytes of hard disk space.

Installation of Parallels is described below, along with screen-shots of the process. Parallels is able to integrate your desktop, so that both Windows and Leopard operating systems maintain a level of consistency. It also adds a link to your desktop to quickly launch your virtual PC, and to quickly access the virtual PC ‘C:’ drive.

Quick and Easy Installation of Parallels Desktop 4.0

• Step 1 : Download the latest version of Parallels here.
• Step 2 : Run “install.app” to begin the installation process
• Step 3 : Follow the wizards steps to complete the install. It’s normal for this to take quite some time! [1] [2]
• Step 4 : Run ‘Parallels Desktop.app’ from your Applications folder in Finder
• Step 5 : Select ‘Run Windows on your Mac’ to begin the Windows setup process
• Step 6 : Parallels 4.0 is able to automatically detect the version of Windows on the CD you’ve inserted into your Mac.
• Step 7 : Input the User Name you would like to use, and to automate the installation, you can also put in the CD Key. This is optional however, as you can enter the CD later.
• Step 8 : Create a unique name for your virtual machine, and set the desired options
• Step 9 : In order to launch the new virtual machine, you need a serial number. Unless you have purchased one, you will have to order a trial one. This can be done from within the program, or on the Parallels website by creating an account.
• Step 10 : Don’t be afraid… you’ll now see the classic Windows install screen. It will quickly load it’s required files, ‘format’ it’s hard drive, and copy the files it needs to continue. It will then restart. [1] [2] [3] [4]
• Step 11 : The next loading screen should be familiar to anyone who has setup Windows in the past. It is fairly automated, and will stop you to prompt for your CD Key. If you don’t have one, or if you would like input it later, just leave it blank and click continue (Windows allows you to use the OS for 15 days without activation).
• Step 12 : When it boots up for the first time, the Windows installation will quickly finalize it’s own installation. That’s it!