Parallels
Desktop is well known for providing the best integration possible between
Windows and Mac. Files, folders, applications—it can all be shared between two
systems.
At the same
time, we realize that some users don’t need these sharing features, especially
when it comes to testing for development needs. Many users will just disable
sharing options in their virtual machine configuration. But did you know you
can also completely isolate your VM in just a couple of clicks? Read on for
more details…
You can
enable isolation in your virtual machine configuration. Go to the Security tab
and check the box to isolate your VM.
The image below shows the difference between the settings
when sharing is enabled, and when your VM is isolated:
When you
isolate your VM, these sharing features will be disabled:
Shared
Folders Tool: Enables you to share Mac folders with the virtual machine and
vice versa.
Shared
Profile Tool: Enables you to share your Mac desktop, pictures, documents,
downloads, music, and videos with your virtual machine, which allows you to
access them right from within Windows.
Shared
Cloud: Enables you to share your favorite cloud services like iCloud,
PhotoStream, Dropbox, Google Drive, and SkyDrive between your Mac and Windows
VM, without duplicating your data.
SmartMount
Tool: Automatically mounts Mac storage devices and volumes to Windows. These
devices and volumes can be accessed from both Mac and Windows.
Shared
Folders Tool: Enables you to share Mac folders with the virtual machine and
vice versa.
Shared
Profile Tool: Enables you to share your Mac desktop, pictures, documents,
downloads, music, and videos with your virtual machine, which allows you to
access them right from within Windows.
Shared
Cloud: Enables you to share your favorite cloud services like iCloud,
PhotoStream, Dropbox, Google Drive, and SkyDrive between your Mac and Windows
VM, without duplicating your data.
SmartMount
Tool: Automatically mounts Mac storage devices and volumes to Windows. These
devices and volumes can be accessed from both Mac and Windows.
Shared
Applications Tool: Lets you access Mac OS X applications from within Windows
and access Windows programs from Mac OS X.
Shared
Internet Applications Tool: Enables you to specify default Internet browsers, including
those installed in the virtual machine, for different types of Internet pages.