There are some differences between running Windows XP and ZEMAX under BootCamp versus using Parallels Desktop. The principal difference is that BootCamp allows access to both cores of a dual core processor machine, while Parallels Desktop currently allows access to only one.  As ZEMAX supports multiple processors, it will run about twice as fast under Boot Camp than with Parallels Desktop. Parallels Inc. is presently working on a new version of Parallels Desktop which will utilize multiple processor cores in the same computer. It is expected that this new version of Parallels Desktop will be available in mid-to-late 2007.

 

While speed is the primary difference between running ZEMAX under Boot Camp versus Parallels Desktop, there are other differences which may affect which method you choose to use. Here is a summary of the differences:

 Boot Camp           

 Parallels Desktop

Product provided by Apple Inc. Product provided by a third party (Parallels Inc.)
Beta software (as of January 2007) Released software
Cost: Free (until OS X 10.5 released) Cost:  $80
Utilizes both cores in dual core processors Only utilizes one core in dual core processors
Can only install Windows XP or Vista Can install any version of Windows including Windows Vista
Requires reboot from Mac OS to Windows OS Does not require reboot—Windows and Mac OS run side by side simultaneously