MacOS and WatchGuard System Manager via Parallels or Fusion

Posted by DeejayCa@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 5 comments

Hey all. I’m thinking of replacing my ThinkPad laptop with a MacBook Pro and want to know your experience with using WatchGuard System manager using Parallels Desktop and a Win11 VM or VMWare Fusion. Does Parallels work with Coherence View mode using WatchGuard System Manager? Does VMWare Fusion have a similar feature where if I run a windows app in the Hypervisor, it integrates into the MacOS environment? For either hypervisor enviroment, does the networking bridge its connection over correctly, so if I plug directly into Eth1 of a firebox on a Mac, I can connect and pull the firebox’s DHCP and it will port this over the Parallels or Fusion VM into the windows environment, or does the host OS only get the DHCP lease, not the VM? I set up a lot of WatchGuard fireboxes using the WSM setup wizard as well as manage and maintain primarily (I’d say 90% of the time) with WSM. I want to make sure that this works without an issue before dropping money on a MacBook. Thanks in advance.

5 Comments

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Horsemeatburger@reddit

Can't speak for running a Windows VM since we're no Windows free, but in general you can setup a VM in Fusion using bridge networking which means it shared the Mac's NIC with the VM (i.e. the VM can get its own IP from DHCP). Windows ARM has an x86 emulation layer and WSM isn't particularly demanding, either, so this should work. It's still a lot of effort for what's really just a config tool (for a firewall from a vendor who has repeatedly screwed up so badly and put their customers at risk that I'm surprised anyone still uses them), and introduces several additional potential points of failure. You could also give Crossover a try, which is the commercial version of WINE and which allows to directly run many Windows applications on top of Mac OS. They also have a trial version I believe. Apple has very good return terms so you could just buy the MacBook and give it a try. However, if you are mostly working inside the Windows/Microsoft ecosystem then you'd be better off sticking with a Windows laptop.

DeejayCa@reddit (OP)

Hmm yea. I'm running a 6 year old X1 extreme, and it's showing its age. Battery isn't lasting that long - I operate primarily with a windows desktop, but the laptop is for field work and prep on the desk behind me. I'm finding that the T series Lenovo's are all really expensive (even at MacBook Pro level pricing), with a worse screen and battery life. I don't see a point in getting a Windows Laptop if all I can do will be on a better piece of hardware.

sys_127-0-0-1@reddit

Just be aware of the long lead times to source a laptop these days. With the shortages, its taking several weeks to get items delivered if they are not in stock.

I'm not surprised, in my experience Lenovo batteries have the shortest service life between the three major vendors (Dell, HP, Lenovo). Dell and HP batteries often survive for four or more years while most Lenovo batteries are nearly dead after 2-2.5 years. A friend of mine services industrial equipment, and the software for this is almost exclusively Windows. When his laptop gave up he bought a used Dell 5290 tablet and a ruggedized case just for field work. He can comfortably hold it in one hand and use it in touch mode, and it takes less space than a laptop, runs longer and survives abuse better. As for MacBooks, they are great machines but they are also comparatively fragile. The aluminum housing dents easily, and the thin screens have a tendency to crack. And if they are dented then Apple might well refuse to repair other defects under warranty, or even at all. I'd really suggest to consider other vendors than just Lenovo and Apple.

Thanks for the input :)

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