Is there a free alternative to Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMWare Fusion?

Both Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMWare Fusion are available for download with a free trial and are reasonably priced. However, Innotek released a free open source "virtualization" program called VirtualBox that makes it possible to run Windows and other operating systems "inside" or "alongside" MacOS X in much the same way as Desktop for Mac and Fusion.

On February 12, 2008, Sun Microsystems purchased Innotek to "strengthen Sun's leadership in the virtualization market" and this acquistion has greatly increased awareness of VirtualBox.

Sun describes the program as "the world's most popular open source virtualization platform because of its fast performance, ease of use, rich functionality, and modular design." No doubt the fact that it's free has something to do with it as well. Please note that although VirtualBox is free, the license needed to run a version of Windows is not.

Photo Credit: Sun Microsystems

In general, VirtualBox is not quite as full featured as the commercial alternatives, but it still has numerous features including "seamless windows", shared folders, a shared clipboard, and more. It may meet your needs quite well.

Download VirtualBox for yourself and see. MakeUseOf.com has provided a great walk-through covering installation and configuration of the program that you may find to be useful.

If VirtualBox does not meet your needs, Amazon.com offers both Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMWare Fusion at a discount compared to purchasing direct from either company.