What is a .PVMZ file?
A .PVMZ file is a type of compressed file specifically used by Parallels Desktop, which is a software program that allows Mac computers to run virtual machines. This means that within a .PVMZ file, there is a complete virtual computer system, including its operating system (like Windows, macOS, or Linux) and all the necessary data to operate it. The "PVM" in .PVMZ stands for "Parallels Virtual Machine," indicating that the file is intended for use with the Parallels Desktop software.
The addition of "Z" at the end of the file extension (.PVMZ instead of .PVM) signifies that the virtual machine file is compressed using Zip compression. This compression helps in reducing the file size, making it easier and faster to store, transfer, and backup. Essentially, .PVMZ files are just zipped versions of .PVM files, which are the standard virtual machine files used by Parallels Desktop.
To open a .PVMZ file, you need to use Parallels Desktop for Mac, specifically version 19 or newer, as this software is designed to recognize and decompress these files. Once opened in Parallels Desktop, the .PVMZ file will be decompressed, and the virtual machine can be started, allowing the user to operate the contained operating system as if it were running on a separate computer.
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