Take Control of Parallels Desktop 12

Book description

Take advantage of the full virtualization power of Parallels Desktop!

Updated November 13, 2016

If you need to run Windows alongside your Mac apps or test macOS 10.12 Sierra while booting safely from 10.11 El Capitan, your solution is at hand with Parallels Desktop 12, which was the first virtualization app for the Mac when it debuted 10 years ago.

Virtualization expert Joe Kissell explains how beginners can set up a virtual machine to run Windows or another operating system, share files with a virtual machine, and switch smoothly between virtualized apps and Mac apps. For those who are familiar with virtualization in general and previous versions of Parallels, he explores the many settings you can tweak for specific situations, to increase performance, or to enhance security. Joe also discusses connecting peripherals to your virtual machine and looks at snapshots, backups, malware prevention, troubleshooting, and more!

Created in collaboration with the Parallels team, the book focuses on Parallels Desktop 12 Standard and Pro editions, and, where appropriate, it includes details about Parallels Desktop Lite and Parallels Desktop Business Edition.

You'll find all sorts of useful information whether you're just getting started with Parallels Desktop 12 or have used previous versions!

You're a new Parallels user or need a refresher

Begin with a thorough understanding of how Parallels Desktop works conceptually -- what it makes possible and how it differs from Apple's Boot Camp. You'll also find help with choosing among the four versions of Parallels Desktop, obtaining a copy of Windows, and deciding whether to run Windows in just Parallels or also in Boot Camp.

Joe then walks you through running the Parallels installer and creating your first virtual machine with Windows installed. You'll learn about installing Parallels Tools and how it can enhance your experience. For instance, it allows your mouse pointer to move seamlessly between virtual machine windows and Mac app windows, and it syncs your clipboard between the virtual machine and your Mac.

With your Windows virtual machine running, Joe teaches you how to perform key tasks like starting and stopping your virtual machine, changing the view and resolution, accessing files and devices, installing a printer, and more.

You'll also find advice on preventing malware attacks and creating snapshots and backups, as well as directions for installing other operating systems, including macOS, Android, Chromium OS, and many versions of Linux.

You're upgrading to Parallels Desktop 12 and want to perfect your installation

Come up to speed on the changes from Parallels Desktop 11 in Joe's handy "Learn What's New" chapter. It provides clickable links to full descriptions of those aspects of Parallels Desktop 12, including better support for multiple displays and Retina displays, window tabs in macOS Sierra, pausing of idle virtual machines, a new Maintenance feature that lets you set a time range for when Windows updates and other tasks may occur, and integration with macOS Sierra's Optimized Storage feature. You'll also find coverage of the new Parallels Toolbox utilities.

Two detailed chapters cover a vast assortment of preferences for both Parallels Desktop itself and a particular virtualized machine, helping you to find the best settings for your needs.

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Table of contents

  1. Read Me First
    1. Updates and More
    2. Basics
    3. What’s New in Version 1.2
    4. What Was New in Version 1.1
  2. Introduction
  3. Parallels Desktop Quick Start
  4. Learn What’s New in Parallels Desktop 12
  5. Understand Parallels Desktop Basics
    1. What Is Parallels Desktop?
    2. How Does Virtualization Compare to Boot Camp?
  6. Install Parallels Desktop and Windows
    1. Collect the Ingredients
    2. Install Parallels Desktop
    3. Create a New Virtual Machine
    4. Install Parallels Tools
    5. Move to Parallels Desktop from Another Environment
    6. Use Parallels Desktop with Boot Camp
  7. Use Windows in a Virtual Machine
    1. Learn Your Way Around
    2. Manage Your Windows State
    3. Use Travel Mode
    4. Make Your Mouse and Keyboard Behave
    5. Switch View Modes
    6. Adjust Retina Resolution
    7. Work with Multiple Displays
    8. Use the Parallels Menu and Windows Dock Menus
    9. Share Data and Apps between Host and Guest
    10. Connect and Disconnect Devices
    11. Adjust Your Network Settings
    12. Print from Windows
    13. Use Windows Ink
  8. Configure Parallels Desktop Preferences
    1. General
    2. Shortcuts
    3. Devices
    4. Security
    5. Network
    6. Advanced
    7. Toolbox
    8. Access
  9. Configure Your Virtual Machine Settings
    1. General Settings
    2. Options Settings
    3. Hardware Settings
    4. Security Settings
    5. Backup Settings
    6. Dev Settings
  10. Protect and Manage Your Virtual Machines
    1. Keep Windows Safe from Malware
    2. Save and Restore Snapshots
    3. Back Up Your Virtual Machine
    4. Use Optimized Storage
  11. Install and Use Other Operating Systems
    1. Add Free Systems
    2. Use macOS as a Guest Operating System
    3. Using Other Operating Systems
  12. Use Parallels Toolbox
  13. Troubleshooting Tips
    1. General Advice
    2. Specific Problems
  14. About This Book
    1. Ebook Extras
    2. About the Author
    3. About the Publisher
  15. Copyright and Fine Print

Product information

  • Title: Take Control of Parallels Desktop 12
  • Author(s): Joe Kissell
  • Release date: November 2016
  • Publisher(s): Take Control Books
  • ISBN: 9781615424740