Parallels for Mac is a fast and responsive virtualization application for MacOS. It is designed for the average user, and makes installing Windows a breeze.

PROS

Near-effortless installation of Windows in OS X. Lets you open Windows files in Mac apps or Mac files in Windows apps. Deep integration options give Windows apps access to OS X folders. Fastest performance of any virtual-machine software.

CONS

Minor stability issues. Unless you turn off many options, the OS X interface gets cluttered with Windows icons.

BOTTOM LINE

Parallels Desktop is the first choice for beginners and non-technical users who want to run Windows apps under OS X.