User`s guide

Introduction 8
About This Guide
This Guide is aimed at a wide range of users who want to use Parallels Desktop to create,
configure, and run Parallels virtual machines.
Abbreviations used in the text
In the present guide the following abbreviations are used:
 OS is used instead of operating system in long sentences where using it will not change the
meaning of the sentence.
 VM is used instead of virtual machine in long sentences where using it will not change the
meaning of the sentence.
Definitions
Primary operating system (primary OS): In this Guide this term is used to refer to the operating
system that controls the I/O devices of the computer and that is loaded when the physical
computer is turned on.
Guest operating system (guest OS): The term is used to refer to an operating system that runs
under the virtual machine control.
Organization of This Guide
This guide is organized into the following chapters:
 Introduction (p. 7) (you are reading it now). Provides basic information about the product
and this guide.
 Virtual Machi
ne Technology Basics (p. 12). Provides information on the specification and
technologies
of virtual machines.
 Installing Parallels Desktop (p. 15). Provides instructions on product installation.
 Principles of Working With
Parallels Desktop (p. 30). Provides basic information on how to
work with Parallels Desktop.
 Setting Up a Virtual Machi
ne (p. 53). Provides instructions on creating a new virtual machine,
adding an exi
sting one, and installing Parallels Tools in guest OSs.
 Working in a Virtual Machine (p. 81). Provides basic information on how to work with virtual
machines.
 Configuring a Virtual
Machine (p. 104). Provides information on how to change the virtual
machine configuration.
 Managing Virtual Machines (p. 167). Provides basic information on how to manage your
virtual m
achines.
 Using Parallels Add-ons (p. 185). Provides information on how and when you can use
Parallels Tran
sporter, Parallels Compressor, and Parallels Image Tool.
 Troubleshooting and Limitations (p. 197). Provides the solutions for some of the known
issues.