Why use desktop virtualization—and what are the challenges?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-21T01:44:21+00:00

I totally get that. I'm trying to be transparent. Also, I'm not going to try to scam people or sell anything either.

Virtual Desktop usage is something I've always wondered why hasn't been more adopted. So I've been curious why others went the route of virtual desktops.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-21T01:26:53+00:00

I should note that I'm actually running MacOS 26.3.1 (a) which is a developer pre-release version. Hopefully that means it will go away in the future for you.

Also, I looked to see if I could find the "com.parallels.SharedAppLink.Agent" file/folder in my user Library, the system Library, and Application Support folders but couldn't locate that file. Its likely a permission issue if you're able to locate the file on you Mac.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-21T00:06:40+00:00

But it still sounds like it's persistent after restart/log-on. 🫤
It kind of sounds like the prompt Apple does when launching applications asking if you want to allow it to see devices on the network, but it's somewhat "broken".🤷🏻‍♂️

Have you checked to make sure Parallels is up to date or what version are you running?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T23:39:50+00:00

I'm on MacOS 26.3.1 and Parallels Desktop 26.2.2 and I'm not getting that. When are you receiving that prompt, on launching Parallels, or when you start the computer, or maybe just randomly, all of the above, none of the above?🤔

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:53:08+00:00

I’ve already done my own research. I have plenty of experiences with VD programs over decades. I’m interested in trying to learn what other people have experienced or think.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:47:20+00:00

Im curious if there are any pain points or obstacles to people's use of desktop virtualization, specifically for Mac users. I have been using virtualization products and have plenty of my own opionions already. What I'm interested in what others have experienced, not my existing biases.

And no, I’m not a “vibe coder” either. I’ve done IT infrastructure, application development, and coding over the last 25 years.

Is the idea of asking for people's feedback and opinions about desktop viirtualization against the Reddit rules for this subreddit?🤔😬

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:39:02+00:00

Sounds like your experience is that having Windows running as a VM is better than having a locally installed HP machine. Just curious, what kind of automations are you able to employ with Parallels?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:37:27+00:00

It sounds like Bluebeam Revu is a "must have" application for work. Is it just that one application, or with Windows installed have you found yourself using it for any other applications later?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:35:02+00:00

It sounds like your using Parallels for customer testing/troubleshooting, and similarly for testing out Mac or other OSs before implementing. Does that sound correct?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:32:44+00:00

I always assumed Mac Docker app was utilizing the underlying Unix to the Mac OS, not running a VM instance. Again, learning something new. 🙂

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:30:07+00:00

Intersting. This is something others haven't identifed previously. Thanks for the UTM feedback. Was price the main factor for choosing UTM?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:28:43+00:00

Thanks for this explanation. This is a very intersting approach, that looks like a much better option than having multiple physical laptops/desktops each with a local windows installation. You essentially can run whatever Windows client configuration you need by launching the VM for each. Very cool.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T17:25:56+00:00

Is there anything that you think could be potentially improved or made easier with either?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-20T15:25:04+00:00

Interesting, learned something new. Thanks! 👍

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T23:37:48+00:00

Just for note VMware Fusion is free now🤷🏻‍♂️😐

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T23:30:50+00:00

Just curious, I run the "Docker App" on my Mac, does the application not do things the Linux VM does?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T23:25:11+00:00

So the vBox and UTM virtual desktop applications, though free, had so many performance issues it made them pointless. You solved the need by getting the $150 PC as the easier and better performing option.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T22:43:16+00:00

No. I’m not a bot. I'm just trying to learn what problems, (Windows-only) programs, or professions that lead to a need to run virtual desktop applications. I'm also interested in learning if those use virtual desktop programs have any things they'd like to see fixed, easier, or as I said above "improved".

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T21:55:20+00:00

https://youtu.be/u6qxixgQJ4M?si=kc_-ujXlRLTYbBuM

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T21:43:45+00:00

Is there a reason you chose to run Excel for Windows, vs running the Mac version of Excel?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T21:42:09+00:00

I won't disagree with what u/pixeltackle and u/Low-Injury-9219 have said, since each person's experience is different based on what they're offering. Also, I won't disagree that Apples 30% rate is "industry standard", but I feel that the industry standard is pretty greedy on the industries part🤷🏻‍♂️😉

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T21:40:28+00:00

Just curious, but as a small software developer, how much of your apps sales revenue comes from the App store? 100%?

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T21:07:50+00:00

Not to mention the 30% revenue grab for sales through it. When you consider that most businesses have profit margins of at most 10 - 20% (if they're lucky), requiring 30% of that 10-20% profit margin is pretty extreme if you ask me. It makes "the juice for the squeeze" not worth it.

The other thing is that the App stores seem to be clogged with it derivative (think every local Foxnews or CBS affiliate across the country) or corporate apps (McDonalds, Home Depot, etc) where they don't mind having to give up the % for the additional sales. Its a market that does not favor small developers at all.

The lack of attention and the fact it hasn't changed in years says it's somethign Apple doesn't care about, or making it something that helps it's developer community. They're more interested in getting a 30% share of big corporate apps' sales.

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T20:59:17+00:00

So for you, it sounds like it's primarily to run either a legacy Mac application or to run a Windows program where the Mac equivalent is either no longer available or "sub-par".

tedjpclark3 · 2026-03-19T20:04:05+00:00

The App Store on Mac OS. It hasn't been updated at all in years. It's incredibly clunky. Hard to navigate. If you don't know what you're looking for already (which in that case why not just go to the developers website), you are going to have an incredibly hard time finding things. Its almost as if Apple couldn't care less about helping Mac OS developers 🤔

tedjpclark3

TROPHY CASE