Ubuntu M1 Parallels: A Transition to the Future

As I transition from my Intel-powered MacBook Air to a new M1-based Apple computer, I've encountered some unexpected challenges. With Windows 11 not yet compatible with ARM architecture, and Microsoft no longer providing support for Windows 10 ARM, I've had to adapt my workflow.

One of the significant changes is the requirement to use an ARM-based installation image for virtual machines on Macs with Apple M Chips. This means installing a supported operating system, such as Ubuntu or Debian, in an ARM version. While this has been relatively uneventful, some dependencies have required additional configuration.

Another challenge I've faced is with Parallels Desktop, which no longer supports Windows 10 due to the CPU virtualization limitation. This has made it difficult for me to work on projects that require both Windows and Linux environments. However, I'm pleased to report that Ubuntu and Debian do work in Parallels on an M1 Mac, albeit only with ARM versions.

Despite these rough edges, I've been impressed by the new MacBook Air's performance and battery life. With its powerful ARM processor, I've been able to run most of my essential applications without issue. However, some programs, such as VSCode and pgAdmin for PostgreSQL, have required additional configuration or workarounds.

In conclusion, while transitioning from Intel to M1 has presented some challenges, I'm excited about the opportunities that this new architecture brings. With Parallels Desktop still in development, I'm hopeful that future updates will address the limitations I've encountered. For now, I'll continue to explore and adapt to the changes brought by the M1 chip.

What Works

* Ubuntu M1 installation

* Debian M1 installation

* VSCode with additional configuration

* pgAdmin for PostgreSQL with workarounds

* Most essential applications run smoothly

While there are still some challenges to overcome, I'm optimistic about the future of computing on Apple's M1 architecture.

Ubuntu m1 parallels