User`s guide

12
This chapter provides a brief description of Parallels virtual machines, their specifications, and
the underlying technologies.
In This Chapter
Virtual Machine Technology Overview................................................................................ 12
Parallels Virtual Machine......................................................................................................13
Virtual Machine Technology
Overview
The Parallels Desktop software is based on the virtual machine technology that allows you to
share the hardware resources of the physical computer between the primary operating system
(the operating system installed on this physical computer) and multiple virtual machines running
on this computer.
The virtual machine technology can be successfully used on computers that support the Intel
virtualization technology (Intel VT-x). This technology allows Parallels Desktop to emulate
virtual processors inside virtual machines.
Intel VT-x implemented in the architecture of the new Intel processors is specially developed for
platforms running multiple operating systems. VT-x processors allow more precise emulation of
virtual processors. To learn more about Intel virtualization technology, visit the Intel website.
C HAPTER 2
Virtual Machine Technology Basics