[tecleandor]

For Linux, and if you only need to run CLI tools, I've been very happy with Lima [0]. It runs x86-64 and ARM VMs using QEMU, but can also run ARM VMs using vz [1] (Apple virtualization framework[2]) that is very performant. Also, along with the project colima [3] you can easily start Docker/Podman/Kubernetes instances, totally substituting Docker Desktop for me.

For desktop environments (Linux/Windows) I've used UTM [4] with mixed success. Although it's been almost a year since last time I used it, so maybe it runs better now

There's also Parallels, and people say it's a good product, but it's around USD/EUR 100, and I haven't tested it as I don't have that need.

And there's VMWare Fusion but... who likes VMWare? ;)

  [0] - https://lima-vm.io
  [1] - https://lima-vm.io/docs/config/vmtype/#vz
  [2] - https://developer.apple.com/documentation/virtualization?language=objc
  [3] - https://lima-vm.io/docs/faq/colima/
  [4] - https://mac.getutm.app/
  [5] - https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/

[vaxman]

A correct solution is to remote into instances on dedicated (bare metal) servers (use ECC memory and SSH with a good cipher for your transport, even across your local or VPN/WireGuard.. network!), perhaps using KVM/QEMU for macOS VMs (yep, requires a MacPro to be legal) and KVM/Firecracker for Linux VMs. You could do Windows VMs in KVM/QEMU, but will have less friction remoting into an alternate (HyperV) box for that (using Windows-specific security products). RDP-over SSH for Windows, MPEG-VNC-over-SSH for macOS (and Wayland).

Why? Did you checkout the Privacy Policy for Parallels? The last time I checked, it allowed them to remotely take anything from your systems that they want. If I wanted that, I would just use a VPS running on someone else's machine in a cage somewhere.

VMware, by the way, is now Broadcom, as in they reportedly replaced the staff and ripped up the perpetual licensing model (subscription only now)... Even before that, the Fusion product development had been shifted overseas, presumably to avoid paying higher wage software engineers in Silicon Valley (what a brilliant way for a software company to innovate) --now a company in Singapore is wearing their skin and the C-suite are out of jobs too.

[cangeroo]

Parallels has a bad desktop user experience using Linux because of poor support for continuous scrolling. Lots of users have complained on their forums for years, but they refuse to do anything about it. I bought it for one year, and regretted the experience. It works well with Windows though.

Generally, the experience with MacOS is mediocre thanks to Apple and their Virtualization Framework, with many basic features missing for years.

[deaddodo]

This is ironic, considering Parallels was originally an Apple first product designed specifically for virtualizing Windows and running it's apps "seamlessly" alongside native Mac ones.

[kergonath]

Why is it ironic? The parent says that it works well with Windows, which you say is the original use case. Linux has nothing to do with this.

[deaddodo]

Ah, I may have misread it. I thought they were saying Parallels on Windows runs Linux fine.

But, re-reading it again, your interpretation is probably correct.

[a_vanderbilt]

Can you elaborate on the continuous scrolling? I've actually never noticed anything off about the scrolling.

[jiveturkey]

> who likes VMWare?

I do!

I abandoned Parallels when they crippled the perpetually licensed version. "Pro" is only available via subscription for a few years now. Even before then, their store was disgusting with forced bundling of additional hostile products, and later they became optional but were still added to your cart by default.