> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/glossary.md). # Glossary This glossary defines terms and spells out abbreviations used in Parallels Desktop documentation. References to terms defined elsewhere in the glossary appear in *italics*. **Activation key.** A unique code that activates Parallels Desktop on your Mac and lets you use the Parallels Desktop functionality to its full extent. **Apple silicon.** The family of Arm-based processors designed by Apple and used in Mac computers (Apple M1 and later). Parallels Desktop runs on Mac computers with Apple silicon and supports Arm-based *guest operating systems*. **Arm64 (AArch64).** The 64-bit Arm processor architecture used by *Apple silicon*. Operating systems installed in Parallels virtual machines must be built for Arm64; operating systems built for the Intel (x86) architecture cannot be installed. **Boot volume.** A hard disk partition from which the operating system boots. **Bridged networking.** Virtual machine network connection mode that enables the virtual machine to appear as any other computer on the network, with its own IP address and network name. **Clone.** An exact, independent copy of a virtual machine, including its configuration and virtual hard disk contents. A clone operates separately from the original virtual machine. See also *Linked clone*. **Coherence.** One of the view modes you can use to work with Windows. When Windows is in Coherence, its desktop is hidden and Windows applications appear on the Mac desktop next to your Mac applications, as if they were all part of a single operating system. **Expanding format.** A virtual hard disk format. An expanding virtual hard disk image file resides on your Mac. Its size grows as you add applications and data to the virtual machine. **Guest operating system (guest OS).** An operating system installed inside your virtual machine. **Host computer.** The Mac computer that runs Parallels Desktop and your virtual machines. **Host-only networking.** Virtual machine network connection mode that creates a private network between the *host computer* and its virtual machines, which makes the virtual machines available from the host computer only. **Image file.** A single file containing the complete contents and structure of a data storage medium or device, such as a hard disk drive, CD, or DVD. **IP address.** A unique address that is assigned to a physical computer or a virtual machine that participates in computer networking. **ISO image.** A special file that contains the entire contents of a CD or DVD disc, commonly used to install an operating system. **Linked clone.** A copy of a virtual machine that shares virtual hard disk data with a *snapshot* of the original virtual machine. Linked clones take up less disk space than full *clones* but require access to the original virtual machine to operate. **Parallels Desktop for Mac.** An application that enables you to create, manage, and use virtual machines on your Mac. **Parallels Tools.** A set of Parallels utilities that ensures a high level of integration between the *primary* and the *guest operating systems*. **Picture in Picture.** One of the view modes you can use to work with Windows. In Picture in Picture mode, the Windows desktop appears in a window and scales in size as you resize the window. Also, you can set this window to always stay on top of other windows, and you can adjust its transparency level so you can see through it when you're working with other applications. **Primary operating system (primary OS).** The operating system of the physical computer where Parallels Desktop is installed, that is, macOS. **Rosetta.** An Apple translation technology that allows applications built for the Intel (x86) architecture to run on *Apple silicon*. In Parallels Desktop, Rosetta can be used inside Arm-based Linux virtual machines to run x86-64 Linux applications. **Shared networking.** Virtual machine network connection mode that allows the virtual machine to use the *host computer* network connections. In this mode, the virtual machine is invisible to other computers on the network the host computer belongs to. **Shortcut.** A user-defined key or combination of keys that provides quick access to applications and commands. **Snapshot.** A copy of the virtual machine state at a particular point in time. The files related to snapshots are stored in a special subfolder in the virtual machine's folder. **TPM (Trusted Platform Module).** A security component that provides hardware-based cryptographic functions. Parallels Desktop provides a virtual TPM chip, which is required to install and run Windows 11 in a virtual machine. **Virtual hard disk (virtual disk).** A file that emulates the virtual machine's hard disk (also called a hard drive). **Virtual hard disk file (HDD file).** A file with the `.hdd` extension that is created together with the virtual machine and performs the functions of a real hard disk. **Virtual machine.** The computer emulated using Parallels Desktop. A virtual machine has its own virtual hardware and requires an operating system to control its hardware. The installed operating system and its applications are isolated inside the virtual machine and share physical hardware resources of the *host computer*. **Virtual machine configuration.** Like any physical computer, a virtual machine has its own configuration, which is set during the creation and can be modified later. The virtual machine configuration settings are stored in the *virtual machine configuration file*. **Virtual machine configuration file.** A file that specifies the virtual machine's hardware configuration, the devices it uses, and other settings. It is created automatically when you create a new virtual machine. **Virtual machine files.** Files stored in a virtual machine folder. A virtual machine has at least two files: a *virtual machine configuration file* and a *virtual hard disk file*. **Virtual machine template.** A virtual machine that can be cloned to multiple virtual machines that will have the same configuration and data that the virtual machine template had. **VM.** See *Virtual machine*. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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