NoMachine Enterprise Desktop vs. Parallels Desktop for Mac

If you just want to connect to the server and do work (like Linux server-workstation type), NoMachine Enterprise Desktop is great, except for the keyboard mapping issue, which you have to correct in a setup of the remote server (almost) every time you log on. The graphics are smooth and fast. Overall response speed is very good, too. I like it.

Incentivized

Parallels works just like a window or application on the Mac. Hence, it is beneficial to keep both OS versions hand in hand. Parallels is very useful when writing code for mobile/iOS applications. File sharing and paste functions are very easy to use. More than one machine can be taken on Parallels. It also integrates with Microsoft Intune. It can run other OS versions other than Windows.

Incentivized

• Secure connection
• Fast response over internet
• Really look like you are sitting in front of the machine you are connecting.

Incentivized

• File Transfer - You can easily transfer files between Parallels virtualized desktops and the host desktop either through Copy and Paste functionality, or Drag and Drop. You can also configure shared folders.
• Switch Between Virtual and Host Desktop - You can configure swipe gestures on a MacBook Pro to be able to switch between the virtualized and host desktop. You can also launch apps from the OS X Taskbar.
• Performance - Apps in Parallels run quite smoothly on my 2015 MacBook Pro, as of 2020. Considering they are running on a 5-year-old computer, I give Parallels top marks for performance.

Incentivized

• Keyboard mapping between client and host is often screwed up.
• Cut and paste between client and host is not convenient
• Would be nice if there was a function of simple file transfer between client and host

Incentivized

• Having to buy a new upgrade whenever Apple updates the OS with its yearly releases seems a bit excessive.
• The integration features between Windows and Mac are enabled by default, which can clutter both sides; I would rather it was not default.

Incentivized

Users are familiar with the application which will keep us going for a little while. However since we are seeing a decline for a need for the software, I wouldn't be surprised to find that this answer changes dramatically in the near future. We would probably keep it to some extent, but we would probably reduce our licensing count.

Incentivized

It has a good integration, including the connection of peripherals. Taking files back and forth works well and I can attach my Home drive as a network drive in Windows. There is even integration with iCloud and other macOS services. There are also a few different display modes which are useful and fleixible (coherence, windowed, full-screen with multiple screens)

Incentivized

I haven't consulted with customer support, so I don't have an opinion. However, from the usefulness of the product, I think the support is also good

Incentivized

So, this rating is a little skewed toward older behavior from Parallels, as I haven't had to contact them recently. However, in an older version of Parallels, an "update" included pop-ups urging users to upgrade to the latest version, implying that their current version wouldn't work for the latest MacOS. I found it very frustrating to be getting ads for a new version of the software in a version I had already paid for. I contacted support about this and got a generic, uncaring response. It was pretty disappointing.

Incentivized

The only advice I can provide is think about who is using the product and build the image based on the true needs of the user.

Incentivized

Again, the NoMachine is a real virtual terminal, and you don't need to install another Linux on your machine to fully exploit the X-terminal function. This makes the disk and memory usage of the client minimum. No issue on the screen. It is really good.

Incentivized

Main two features that made the balance decission go to the Parallels Desktop were the possibility to pause the Windows partition easily (allowing to consume less resources in Mac and save battery) and the other one is the user interface feature called "Coherence" with allows you to show the Windows application windows as if they were native to the macOS, allowing for a better user experience.

Incentivized

• It makes the access to server much easier and convenient
• Connection is very stable, which makes works very efficient
• I don't need to reboot my Windows PC to switch to Linux in order to fully exploit the working environment of the server.
• No negative impact

Incentivized

• Saves money on having to buy a Windows and MacBook, as the MacBook can run almost 99% of all Windows software and usually run it faster and share between your MacBook transparently.
• Gives employers the most flexibility with regards to which OS to adopt across an enterprise
• We are a media company and everyone uses Macs in our industry, Fortune 500 companies also use Windows and MS Project, Parallels gives you the most flexibility for almost all of these use cases
• Improves efficiency as the MacBook Pro M3 systems are much faster than some of the fastest corporate issued Windows laptops. What takes me 3-10 seconds for a video export can take 5 minutes on a similar Windows laptop

Incentivized