What is Parallels?

Parallels is a versatile software tool designed to enhance the usability and functionality of virtual machines on Mac operating systems. It comprises a suite of utilities known as Parallels Tools, which include features such as mouse and time synchronization, drag-and-drop capabilities, clipboard synchronization, shared folders, and tools that integrate Windows or Linux applications seamlessly with the Mac environment. These tools foster a more integrated and efficient workflow between the host Mac OS and the virtual machines.

As a service, Parallels enables users to run Windows on Mac computers, supporting both Intel and Apple silicon architectures. It extends its functionality to remote application and desktop management, and even allows the running of Windows applications on Chrome OS devices. With Parallels service, users experience a level of comfort regarding their data handling within the virtual environment.

In terms of data handling and network connectivity, Parallels Desktop for Mac, the software in question, acts as a virtual router to manage the network settings of virtual machines. It accommodates three networking modes: Shared Networking, Bridged Network, and Host-Only Network, with Parallels Desktop for Mac taking charge of network connectivity in Shared Networking mode, while the virtual machine handles Bridged Network and Host-Only Network modes. Furthermore, Parallels Desktop for Mac is offered in different editions—Standard, Pro, and Business—with the latter two providing advanced network configuration options for Shared and Host-Only networks.

Parallels Plugins for Excel

Enhancing Excel on Mac with Windows Features

Parallels Desktop empowers Mac users to run Microsoft Excel with its full capabilities, mirroring the Windows experience. This integration affords users access to Windows-exclusive features such as Power Pivot for advanced business intelligence tasks, Dynamic Pivot Charts, Pivot Tables, and a more comprehensive Visual Basic Editor, which are not natively available on Excel for Mac.

Comprehensive Keyboard Shortcuts and Layouts

Excel for Windows is known for its additional keyboard shortcuts and layouts. Through Parallels Desktop, Mac users can utilize these extensive shortcuts and layouts, enhancing their productivity and Excel user experience.

Advanced Plugins Compatibility

Parallels Desktop allows the use of various powerful Excel plugins on Mac. Notable plugins include Collectica, SpreadsheetConverter, CapIQ, JetReports, PowerUser, F9, Kutools, XLGL, and ASAP Utilities. These plugins extend the functionalities of Excel, enabling users to perform complex tasks and analyses more efficiently.

Form Controls and Active X Integration

With Parallels Desktop, Mac users can integrate Form Controls and Active X components, which are compatible only with Windows, into their Excel workflows. This allows for a seamless experience when using Excel on Mac, as if it were running on a native Windows environment.

Expanded Data Connectivity

Users of Excel on Mac can benefit from a wide array of data connectivity options such as web, tables/ranges, Access, ODBC SQL, PDF, JSON, XML, and more. These options ensure that data integration remains robust and versatile when operating Excel through Parallels Desktop.

Common Use Cases

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  Running Microsoft Excel with full functionality on Mac
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  Utilizing Windows-exclusive features such as Power Pivot and data analysis tools in Excel on Mac
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  Accessing and using Windows-only Excel plugins like Kutools and PowerUser on Mac
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  Employing Form Controls and Active X in Excel on Mac
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  Leveraging extended ASCII characters and editable context menus in the Visual Basic Editor for Excel on Mac