What are VirtualBox and VMware?
VirtualBox and VMware virtualization solutions are based on virtual machines. A virtual machine is an operating system that is virtualized and runs on virtualization software that emulates hardware.
The virtual machine can run multiple guest OSs, allowing for better flexibility in testing new apps or systems in different environments. These virtual machines run as software-based programs simulating the hardware.
This allows you to replicate your current system wherever you go by quickly taking your work from one location to another without it being affected by changes in physical hardware or IP addresses at a later time.
All about VirtualBox
VirtualBox is Oracle's AMD64/Intel64 and x86 virtualization software. It is a Type 2 hypervisor meaning it runs on an already established OS as an application. It is a free and open-source virtualization platform that allows you to run virtual machines on your host OS.
VirtualBox is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 and lets you run a connection between the VMs and the host should the need arise. You can run VirtualBox:
- Windows
- Mac OS
- Linux
- Oracle Solaris
VirtualBox comes with exciting features, including:
- Command-line integration
- Snapshots
- Cross-platform compatibility
- A seamless mode that lets you run virtual and everyday applications simultaneously
All about VMware
VMware is a desktop virtualization platform designed and developed by VMware. VMware is a leading world-renowned virtualization provider. It provides a secure environment that allows you to partition a server into multiple virtual machines, allowing several OSs and applications to run simultaneously on the same host machine.
Unlike VirtualBox, VMware works only on Linux and Windows operating systems. VMware offers the free and pro version of its virtualization software. The pro version is specifically for students and educators; however, you have to pay for a commercial license if you want to use VMware for commercial purposes.
Notable VMware features include:
- Mass deployment
- VM sharing
- Host/guest file sharing
- 3D graphics support
Why you may want something better
Virtualization software allows you to run virtual machines on a host machine. If your virtual machine is running slow or some error occurs, it affects the whole virtual system, since everything runs in the same operating environment.
What if there was something better? A better solution than both VirtualBox and VMware? Parallels virtualization software is an easy-to-use virtualization platform that offers you a streamlined, remote working solution and provides secure access to virtual desktops and applications.
What makes Parallels virtualization software stand out is:
- Fast, powerful, and easy – There are thousands of Windows apps like Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and CAD programs without rebooting or compromising performance.
- Easy to set up – Parallels Desktop automatically detects what you need to get started. If you need Windows, you will be prompted to download and install Windows 10 or use your Boot Camp installation if you have an Intel-based Mac.
- Lightning-fast – Windows applications run effortlessly without slowing down your Mac despite its graphics and resources. You can play your favorite Windows-only games like Age of Empires on a Mac.
Conclusion
Choosing the right virtualization software for your needs is crucial. If you want virtualization to succeed in your business, you need virtualization software that is reliable and efficient.
Parallels virtualization platform offers users a feature-packed virtualization solution. It comes with all the features of VirtualBox and VMware coupled with faster performance speed, making it an ideal virtual machine management system for any enterprise or individual user looking forward to reaping maximum benefits from virtual machines. Download a free trial here and join other 7 million Parallels users.