Utility Software

Utility software enhances digital productivity as it helps to maintain the smooth functioning of a computer network. A basic set of utilities will already be installed as part of the computer’s operating system (OS). Users often install additional utility software to complement these functions by managing, organising, maintaining and optimising the network.

Hardware emulation virtualisation, or system mirroring, is a type of utility software used to imitate parts of another hardware device. The software is designed to simulate the workings of an entirely different hardware platform than the one it runs on.

Typically, system mirroring programmes operate hand in hand with a hypervisor, which is also known as a virtual machine monitor (VSM) to map a host computer’s hardware directly to a virtual machine’s resources.

Effectively, it means a Windows desktop can be run on an Intel, Chrome Enterprise or an Apple Mac, making rolling out standardised programs across the school or business network easier.   

By using utility software such as system mirroring, a school or business can perform most virtual system functions. Allowing access to older operating systems within a newer architecture, running programmes that are only suitable for a certain hardware to run on any machine, and ensuring continuity across the network are all key in optimising productivity across the board. Schools and businesses often have programs that can’t be run on all operating systems so consolidating the network with hardware emulation virtualisation software brings it all in line.

Parallels is a market leader in hardware emulation virtualisation and allows students and professionals to run all the required programmes on their preferred devices. The utility software can be run in parallel (hence the name) so Windows and macOS are both running on the computer at the same time, without having an effect on operating speed. This software can be implemented across an entire network infrastructure with a centralised administration and management to control the software.

 Find out more our system mirroring software.