Parallels Desktop enables you to run other operating systems on your Mac through virtualization. The benefit here would be being able to run Windows-specific tools from work on a Mac without buying a new computer if you use Windows at work and a Mac at home.
Software developers also use virtualization since it allows them to run an operating system independent of the computer they are using. In this way, even if the virtual machine gets infected, it can only infect the enclosed machine, leaving the host system virus-free. It is then all a matter of shutting down the virtual machine and then restarting it from a fresh snapshot of the virtual system.
Video game players will also find Parallels useful since this app lets them pick from the vast library of Windows titles and play them on their Macs. You may experience different results in this case because your Mac may not have the processing power of a high-end video card.
The latest version of Parallels Desktop for Mac is even better than the previous version. Drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the setup process, and you can customize your install before you begin to ensure your work environment is optimized for your needs.
