Parallels allows Apple users to run Windows on a Mac OS X computer. The software creates a Windows virtual machine that is able to run alongside the native operating system.

Whilst Apple's Bootcamp app creates a bootable copy of Windows. Parallels is different in that it runs Windows within an environment on OS X.

If you need it, Windows can be run in its own window, in full screen mode, or in an integrated view called Coherence. Coherence allows Mac and Windows apps to be used side by side.

Parallels can modify the standard Mac OS X interface, and adds a new window control button for any VMs. Along with the existing buttons that close and minimise windows, Parallels has a new button, which allows you to switch a VM into Coherence mode, thereby hiding the Windows desktop. This then allows any Windows apps to seamlessly sit right on the Mac OS desktop.

A great feature of Parallels that is worth noting, is when you run Windows 10 in Coherence mode, the Windows Action Centre is able to be viewed as a panel, which slides in from the right-hand side of the screen, next to the Notification panel in Mac OS X.

Overall, Parallels is not the only virtualization option that is available for Mac OS X users who need to run Windows apps. It is, however, more of a polished product than the other products. The close integration of both Windows OS and Mac OS provides users the best of both worlds. You can switch easily between apps, regardless of which operating system they were written for, especially using Coherence.