Virtual machines (VMs) are essential tools for developers, testers, and IT professionals. They allow you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, making it easier to test applications, run legacy systems, or maintain isolated environments. While macOS does not natively support hypervisor technology in the same way that Windows or Linux might, there are several robust third-party solutions available. This article will guide you through the process of creating and managing virtual machines on macOS using Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox.

Examples:

Example 1: Creating a VM with Parallels Desktop

1. Download and Install Parallels Desktop:

   • Visit the Parallels Desktop website and download the installer.
   • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Parallels Desktop.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Open Parallels Desktop.
   • Click on "File" > "New" to start the new VM wizard.
   • Choose your installation source (e.g., an ISO image, a USB drive, or a downloaded OS).
   • Follow the prompts to configure your VM (e.g., allocate CPU, memory, and storage).

3. Install the Operating System:

   • Once the VM is created, Parallels Desktop will automatically start the installation process.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the OS installation.

Example 2: Creating a VM with VMware Fusion

1. Download and Install VMware Fusion:

   • Visit the VMware Fusion website and download the installer.
   • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install VMware Fusion.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Open VMware Fusion.
   • Click on "File" > "New" to start the new VM wizard.
   • Choose your installation method (e.g., from a disc or image file).
   • Configure your VM settings (e.g., CPU, memory, and storage).

3. Install the Operating System:

   • Start the VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS.

Example 3: Creating a VM with VirtualBox

1. Download and Install VirtualBox:

   • Visit the VirtualBox website and download the installer.
   • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Open VirtualBox.
   • Click on "New" to start the new VM wizard.
   • Enter the name and type of the OS you plan to install.
   • Allocate memory and create a virtual hard disk.

3. Install the Operating System:

   • Start the VM and select the installation media (e.g., an ISO file).
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the OS installation.