Parallels Version 10 Lets You Run Windows on Macs
Whether you're on a Mac or a PC, Parallels can help soothe your frustrations when you run into program compatibility issues. The popular program is renowned for letting you access a Windows device on a Mac (or vice versa), and with Parallels Desktop 10 launched today (Aug. 20), doing so will be a smoother experience than ever.
Starting today, Parallels version 8 or version 9 users can upgrade to the latest version for $50, while others can buy the new edition from Aug. 26th for $80. The company is also offering a Student Edition for $40. Each Parallels Desktop 10 purchase comes with a free 3-month subscription to the Parallels Access app, which supports up to 5 Macs or PCs and an unlimited number of iOS and Android devices.
MORE: A Guide to Switching From PC to Mac
According to Parallels, the new version is supposed to open Windows documents up to 48 percent faster, and launch Office 2013 apps up to 50 percent faster than previous versions. The virtual machines also use up to 10 percent less Mac memory and less power, therefore increasing battery life by up to 30 percent.
With version 10, new Windows apps installed on your Mac will automatically be added to the OS X launchpad. You can also drag and drop files to the virtual machine icon in the dock to open those files in the Windows environment.
You'll need OS X Lion or newer, or Windows 7 and up to run Parallels Desktop 10, and iOS 7 and later or Android 4 and beyond to use Parallels Access 2.0. Parallels Access lets you control your desktop via your mobile device, and costs $20 a year. The company is offering a free 2-week trial of Access, which came to iPhone and Android earlier this year.
Staff Writer Cherlynn Low loves her PC, but occasionally cheats on it with Macs. Follow her @cherlynnlow and on Google+. Follow Tom's Guide at @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
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