Question : Parallels Workstation

Hi,


I'm making this a 500 point question in hopes of getting 2 comprehensive answers for Parallels windows and Parallels linux.  I anticipate a some responses addressing one or two questions.  Or a "major experience" response from someone who does this for a living.  So bigger chunks of points (200) will go to comprehensive answers.  Smaller amounts to answers addressing (25-50 pts).   If someone responds with a comprehensive windows and linux answer, obviously that question will get the largest points.  That's the best I can do.  I will be as equitable as I can in point distribution.   I wish I could make it a 700 - 800 pint question, but that is not possible.   Sorry about all the points talk.  I just want to be upfront on how I plan do distribute points where there are multiple answers.  I don't want to create any issues. Thank you.

I'm looking for a windows and a linux response regarding Parallels software.  Please try to address all questions.  Some questions don't apply on linux, for example defrag software.  I've included virtualization plans and hardware below the questions.  

Thanks for all your expertise and experience!!!

Could anyone please comment on Parallels Workstation 2.2?  The price is right@ $49.99 vs. vmware.
1. What are the top 2-3 advantages?
2. What are the top 2-3 disadvantages (win)?
3. What is it's performance (win) , for example, near native OS?
4. Which is better windows or linux version?  
5. Any major issues with either linux  version?
6. Can virtual NTFS partitions be defragged using commercial software or do you have to use Parallels Compressor?
7. Can firewalls and antivirus software run on a vm.
7. Please add any other personal thoughts/experiences with this software!!!

My plan is to get rid of 3 old celeron boxes and virtualize the Operating Systems on one machine. My plan is basically this:
1. XP Pro - personal and software development, host OS.
2. XP Pro - play area--download & install trial software, test, restore play area to remove trial software.
3. Ubuntu Desktop 7.10 - personal and software development, 64-bit (could be the host if Parallels linux version is better?)
4. Install other Linux distros (fedora core 8, suse 10.3,  others.., 64-bit).  It's kind of a weird hobby. I can see an obvious limitation is that it does not support many different linux distros.

Hardware:
Intel Q6600 quad core
asus  p5k
sata II drives- total 850GB
4GB Corsair 800 memory
decent graphics card.

Thanks again.

Answer : Parallels Workstation

Your question is a bit confusing.

Parallel computing means to use two or more computers to carry out many instructions for the same process.

What you are looking for is someone with experience in virtual machines. ( VM software )

I have no experience what so ever on "Paralell Workstation 2.2", but i have used VMware (Windows/Linux) and XEN (UNIX/Linux)
XEN does not cost a dime.

I strongly recommend you run Linux as the host os.
Why? Because it's more stable and the guest machines can go BOOM if you shut down the host unexpectedly.

I would prefer openSuSE + XEN as a host.

I've never setup Windows guest OS within XEN, but i've seen alot of articles on howto do so.

It will require some reading but in the end it's worth it.

a wiki about xen : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xen
xen official website : http://www.xen.org/
how to install XEN on opensuse 10.3 : http://en.opensuse.org/Installing_Xen3
install windows xp on XEN (ubuntu) : http://www.planetjoel.com/viewarticle/568/HOWTO:+Windows+XP+running+under+Xen+3.0+on+Ubuntu+Dapper+Drake
install windows xp on XEN (debian) : http://mediakey.dk/~cc/howto-install-windows-xp-vista-on-xen/

Regarding your questions:
Guest os performance will always be less than native os, best is to tweak the system a bit (don't use heavy desktop skins etc. )
Virtual NTFS partitions can be defragged using any software running within the guest os, however it will not defrag the physical disk.
You can use firewalls and antivirus applications within a virtual machine without problems. But it will cause lack of disk access performance, so maby it's not a good idea to run the antivirus in realtime protection mode.