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Hey, knowledge workers—ever feel like you’re walking a tightrope between productivity and security? You are not alone. You all have a challenging task in the current workplace environment. You’re probably being asked to achieve more, and work faster while also needing to be more vigilant than ever about cybersecurity concerns. Learn how Parallels Desktop can help.

Ransomware and phishing scams are rampant, and it only takes one risky click to cause major problems for your data, your device, and even your company. Yikes. No pressure, right?

There is some good news. (Okay, it’s great news.) Parallels Desktop can help you balance productivity and security like an absolute pro. Parallels Desktop is a favorite among knowledge workers who want to use their preferred applications and devices to tackle their to-do lists—without worrying that they’ll be vulnerable to extra risk.

The Magic of Parallels Desktop

With Parallels Desktop, you can power up your Mac to run Windows on a virtual desktop. It’s like having two computers in one so you can work, develop, study, test, and play with security and ease. Take Hillary Moralez, an IT Helpdesk Manager at Alludo who prefers to use a MacBook but needs access to Windows-based applications to do her job. Hillary uses Parallels Desktop to access Active Directory so she can easily manage headcount and security for her hybrid team, right from her MacBook. Hillary also uses Parallels Desktop to troubleshoot IT problems—even if the device that needs support is located on the other side of the world. Hillary spins up a Virtual Machine (VM) that replicates the troubled device so she can investigate and resolve problems as though the device were physically in front of her. (Honestly, it’s kind of magical.)

Venture out there—Parallels has your back

Hillary isn’t the only one flexing wizardry skills with Parallels Desktop.  Alludo Project Manager Ekaterina Zelenskaya is an intrepid tech explorer who loves running tests and trying new apps. She knows that this often means getting into apps from unreliable sources, and she has zero interest in threatening the security of her device or data. When she’s in exploration mode, Ekaterina hops into a VM, knowing that her native OS remains secure. It’s like having a safety net for tech experiments. Ekaterina can dive in, test, tinker, and make a virtual mess—and with Parallels Desktop, the reset button is just a click away.

This remarkable tool has become a game-changer for countless professionals, empowering them to navigate the complex world of cybersecurity with unparalleled confidence.

Alludo’s Director of Corporate Communications, Beatrice Vogel, shares Ekaterina’s penchant for bold tech exploration. She regularly tries and tests new apps and programs. She loves that she can build a VM for each one and then eliminate those that don’t suit her needs, without cluttering up her original machine or exposing it to unnecessary risk. Bea once downloaded an app with questionable security, but thanks to Parallels Desktop, she was within a VM as usual. She activated the highest security settings within that virtual machine, so her Mac remained untouchable. It’s like having a virtual bouncer, ensuring only safe and trusted entities get past the velvet rope.

Security features for work and play

To recap, Parallels Desktop offers a fantastic suite of security features that help you work, experiment, and explore confidently.

Virtual Machine Snapshots: Capture your virtual machine’s exact state, providing a quick and easy way to revert to a previous configuration should anything go awry.

Isolated Environments: Keep your native OS and data separate from your virtual machine, ensuring a secure barrier between the two.

Encrypted Virtual Machines: Protect sensitive data with robust encryption, ensuring it remains safe from prying eyes.

Parallels Desktop offers extensive procedures and mechanisms that protect a VM and host computer data from unintended or unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or disruption. Parallels Desktop ensures safe virtualization through a variety of mechanisms. It provides safe VM use and guarantees the protection of transferred data, helping to ensure error-free operations every step of the way.

These Alludo team members can attest that Parallels Desktop isn’t just for developers. It enables anyone in any profession to venture boldly into new apps, helping them find the tools and resources that let them do their best work and balance productivity and security. Elevate your security, embrace the virtual world, and let your Mac roam free without fear.

Psst: This post is part of our #MyParallelsStory series. We’ve been highlighting the different ways people have found to work better and live better using Parallels. We’d love to hear your #MyParallelsStory and learn how using Parallels Desktop to balance productivity and security makes your life easier.  Share your experience on social media today, using #MyParallelsStory.   Or try Parallels Desktop for free today.

Get your gaming face on. Discover one of the easiest ways to play PC games on a Mac – it’s the best thing since getting unlimited lives or finally beating that level you’ve been working on since the dawn of time. 

Ah, the classic Mac vs. PC debate: it’s the ultimate showdown of tech titans, each with their own superpowers. But what if we said you could have the best of both worlds? Yep, you heard it right. Using Parallels Desktop for gaming, you can wield your Mac’s sleek sophistication and unleash the whole empire of PC games.

Why pick sides when you can have it all?

Listen up, Mac enthusiasts—we get it. You love the elegance of your Mac, the smooth interface, and maybe that feeling of belonging to an exclusive club. But let’s be real—PC gaming is on another level, with many exclusive games that are super popular for a good reason.

So, what’s a die-hard Mac lover to do? The answer: choose both.

Enter Parallels Desktop: The ultimate game changer

Picture this: you’ve finished work for the day, and you’re seriously hankering for some gaming. (We’ve been there!) Maybe it’s the call of an epic RPG, the adrenaline rush of a fast-paced head-to-head battle, or the allure of a strategy game. Your friends just told you about the newest game they love. But hold on—like so many other great games, this one is only available on PC. Cue the dramatic music.

Before you start splurging on a separate PC just for gaming (that’s like getting a whole new apartment for your shoe collection—a bit much), let us introduce you to Parallels Desktop—your new gaming BFF. Using Parallels Desktop for gaming, you can run Windows and Mac applications side by side, like the ultimate multitasking wizard you were always meant to be.

Get ready to game like never before

Here’s the scoop on how this magical tech potion works. Parallels Desktop creates a virtual Windows machine right on your Mac. This means you can install and run Windows applications, including games, on your Mac as if you were using a Windows PC.

It’s like having a secret door to the PC gaming realm; all you need to do is knock (well, click) to enter. No need for a separate machine. You don’t even need to reboot your system to switch from Mac to Windows and back again.

Alludo Engineering Manager Ivan Moroz says, “I like gaming, and after moving to another country with nothing but my Mac, I realized I could still use it to play games with my friends thanks to Parallels Desktop.” That’s what we like to hear, Ivan.

1-2-3 go!

Setting up Parallels Desktop is smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Once you’re inside your virtual Windows realm, you won’t even notice the borders. Parallels Desktop integrates Windows applications seamlessly into your Mac environment. Drag, drop, copy, paste—it’s even easier than beating the intro level.

Using Parallels Desktop for gaming is so intuitive that a child can use it. Seriously. When we started gathering stories for the #MyParallelsStory series, we heard from a parent whose 9-year-old son loves the challenge and excitement of PC games. Certain games are a great fit for him as a neurodivergent individual, and he thrives when he plays them. They’re a total Mac family, but that’s not a problem. With Parallels Desktop, this precocious kiddo can play his favorite PC games on the family Mac computer without a hitch.

Bonus: Parallels Desktop is so efficient that it’s designed to run Windows smoothly and efficiently on your Mac without negatively impacting performance. (Nobody wants their game to buffer when you’re at a critical moment!) The software uses advanced virtualization technology to optimize resource usage and ensure the Mac and Windows operating systems run seamlessly together.

Consider your gaming FOMO vanquished. Product Manager Dmitry Geynisman says, “With Parallels Desktop, I can play my favorite Windows games on my Mac. Half-Life, GTA V, Age of Empires II, Rocket League, and more!” Pure wizardry.

Gaming is just the beginning

Parallels Desktop has totally changed the game—and not just for gaming. It’s your all-access pass to a world of Windows (and Linux) applications, whether you need them for work, creativity, or just exploring new horizons.

💼 Need to run a Windows-only business app? Done.

🎨 Want to use that specialized design software? Easy peasy.

📚 Curious about what your PC-loving friends are raving about? Jump right in.

The wrap-up: your quest awaits

So, there you have it, fellow Mac fans and aspiring PC gamers.  One of the best ways to play PC games on a Mac is with Parallels Desktop. It’s like, well, a parallel universe where you don’t need to choose sides. Enjoy the elegance of your Mac, sprinkle in the magic of PC gaming, and conquer new realms of productivity and creativity, all within the comfort of your preferred machine.

Are you still reading this? Go try it out!

And if you’re already loving Parallels Desktop, we’d love to hear your story. Share your experience today using #MyParallelsStory on social media.

Game on, my friends!