Vmware Fusion 8.0 (for Mac Os X Nassau Community College

I've finished beta testing Parallels 10, and since I'm running Yosemite on the system, I have to upgrade to Parallels 10 to reliably continue using it (since Parallels 9 has some flaws in Yosemite). I also unfortunately didn't qualify for a free license code during the beta testing period. Before I contact my academic department and plunk down another $40 to upgrade to Parallels 10, I was curious if I should continue using Parallels for my VM software or give VMWare Fusion 7 a try. I think it'd cost me $50 to crossgrade from Parallels to Fusion, but I was wondering if it'd be worth switching to. Either solution I go with, I usually have to upgrade once a year to the new version as long as I keep my OS X upgrades current, so I've already factored those upgrade costs into my budget. I'm just curious as to how Fusion stacks up with Parallels. I'm getting a little tired of Parallels licensing being tied to one machine (with Fusion, I could install the app on both Macs and transfer my VM's between Macs if need be), plus I won't touch Parallels Access at all since I don't want to pay for another subscription on top of already paying Parallels for yearly licenses.

VMware Fusion 8 (for Mac OS X) You must be a member of an academic organization to qualify for the software discounts offered on this WebStore. You will be required to provide proof of your academic affiliation to register an account on this site.

I was wondering though about performance and how Fusion's performance is? I used it years ago, and at the time, I found Parallels to be faster. I don't play any 3D games, but I do run some 3D weather modeling software (GR2Analyst) on the Windows VM. I'm just wondering should I bite the bullet and purchase a Parallels 10 key or download the VMWare trial and give it a spin first?

Nathan, FWIW, I've used an earlier version of VMWare Fusion (up to level 4/5). I've been using Parallels for over five years now and I am pleased with Parallels 10 - I can't speak for its use in Yosemite, but I've noticed a considerable speed enhancements, stability, and power savings while in using it in Mavericks. The layout is more appealing in terms of aesthetics.

Also more Mac feel in terms of transitions - (quicker entrance/exit with coherence mode). The Windows applications (Win7 & Win8- I use both formats) do seem to launch quicker - (admittedly I haven't done any technical measuring, but can definitely tell there's been and improvement). Recognition & utilization of network printer setup and 2 different external hard drives accessed more quickly than in previous versions. Yes, I agree the price is a pain and limitations on license is disappointing, but for working on multiple projects and needing to use both Mac & Windows platforms with a sense of performance 'stability' - I vote Parallels!. I work in College Administration, Sermon Prep, Biblical Studies & Instruction, Small Business, utilize Accordance (and other Bible software Programs.

But only as needed:-). ) If you haven't decided already, You might try the parallels 10 trial version. All the best! Yeah, I don't care for Parallels licensing as well. I'd rather be able to run my VM software on more than one machine. I had to break down and get (and stick with) Parallels 10 for one reason: my VM's wouldn't even boot properly trying to import them into VMWare.

I could manually do a lot of migration work to get them to work in VMWare, but it's more hassle that I have time for. If VMWare offers a cleaner import process that allows my VM's to functionally boot over there, i'll give it another try sometime.