Windows XP & Parallels - what's the deal with network / security?

Raider · 8 Feb 2007 at 13:16

I'm hoping to install Windows XP using Parallels when my MacBook Pro arrives.

All I want to do is run a few basic programs in Windows XP, none of which will require internet / network access.

Since I won't have the usual virus / other protection software on that Windows XP installation i'm concerned about the latop being exposed while I'm working with XP stuff.

So I guess my basic question is, can you use Windows XP in Parallels in an isolated fashion? i.e. safe from the outside world? Or will I have to load it with the usual anti-virus stuff?

Will_3rd · 8 Feb 2007 at 13:34

Raider said:
So I guess my basic question is, can you use Windows XP in Parallels in an isolated fashion? i.e. safe from the outside world? Or will I have to load it with the usual anti-virus stuff?

For starters just turn on Windows Firewall, plus I'm sure you could deny XP internet access in Parallels' options.

Berserker · 8 Feb 2007 at 13:35

Yes, you can. Just don't set up a network adapter in parallels.

Of course, you'll want one for Windows Update, probably, but you can turn it on and off at will.

Raider · 8 Feb 2007 at 14:17

Ok so I can turn networking on, get all the updates etc.. at home say, then when it comes to putting it on the work network I can disable all network access just for Parallels?

Will_3rd · 8 Feb 2007 at 15:41

Raider said:
Ok so I can turn networking on, get all the updates etc.. at home say, then when it comes to putting it on the work network I can disable all network access just for Parallels?

Yep

Berserker · 8 Feb 2007 at 15:42

Also bear in mind if you use bridged networking in Parallels (the default), I believe you're effectively behind a firewall (NAT) anyway.