Windows-on-Mac software gets virtualization update

Parallels, a software company that specializes in enabling Mac users to run other operating systems without rebooting, has released an update to its trademark Parallels Desktop software.

The biggest update to the new version is Coherence, a feature that enables Mac users running Parallels to run and access Windows applications from their Mac desktops via virtualization rather than switching between operating systems.

The feature is activated when a user turns on "Coherence mode," which hides the Windows desktop and integrates Windows applications into the Mac OS X desktop and application dock.

A statement from Parallels called the Coherence feature "completely customizable," stipulating that when Coherence is enabled, users will be able to choose how to load and run Windows applications, as well as select display options for Windows features like the task bar and Start menu.

In addition to the Coherence update, the new version of Parallels includes another new feature called Transporter, which is concerned with simplified virtualization. If a PC owner is switching to a Mac, for example, but wants to keep his or her Windows settings and files intact, Transporter allows the entire software contents and settings of the PC to be moved directly to one of Parallels' virtual machines without needing to reinstall Windows on the Mac.

Transporter's functionality additionally makes it easier for users running other Windows-on-Mac virtualization software--like VMWare Workstation or Microsoft Virtual PC, which is available for older PowerPC-based Macs--to convert those workstations to Parallels-ready virtual machines.

The new version of Parallels Desktop includes several additional updates: It now supports USB 2.0 functionality, Apple's built-in iSight cameras in virtual-Windows mode, drag-and-drop functionality from one operating system to another, and CD- and DVD-burning capabilities.

The software update also includes increased support for Boot Camp, Apple's own software for running Windows on a Mac (though not simultaneously). Boot Camp users who also run Parallels Desktop will now be able to load the same copy of Windows in either program rather than requiring two copies of the operating system.

The new version of Parallels Desktop, like the previous version, sells for $79.99. Existing Parallels customers, however, will have access to a free upgrade.

Parallels spokesman Benjamin Rudolph confirmed that the new software is compatible with Windows' recently released Vista operating system, with one exception: The three-dimensional "Aero Glass" interface is not yet supported because Parallels has not yet built in that kind of graphics capability.

Rudolph added, however, that a future update of Parallels that will support Vista's "eye candy" is "just a few months away."

[Vegaman_Dan]

Windows on a Mac. Mac on Windows

I know that Parallels is making money by allowing Windows OS to be run on a Mac with their software and nobody is trying to prevent this. Apple and MS both make money off the deal since you have to have legal copies of both to run on that system.

Out of curiosity, why is it there aren't products to port Apple's OS over to a PC? The OS itself can run on a PC- that's been proven many times now, but Apple won't release the OS officially except as a product for their hardware. If Parallels released the Mac on Windows version, would Apple allow it? If they did, would that be fair? If they prevented it, would that be unfair?

Curious to see if the argument works both ways on this one.

[Penguinisto]

Nice... Very Nice.

This is one step closer to eliminating the arguments that MSFT Fanboys keep proclaiming - apps.

Now, instead of having to go out and buy an expensive, bloated security hazard (read: Vista), you can run your fave Windows apps atop a far more secure environment.

/P

[Llib Setag]

Run Vista on Leopard Mac OSX

HURRY! QUICK BEFORE MICROSITH BUYS PARALLELS LIKE THEY
DID VIRTUAL PC THEN SLOWLY KILLS IT OFF... (LS)

Parallels Desktop supports Leopard, Vista

Parallels today released a free update to Parallels Desktop for
Mac to enhance its virtualization software with a new installation
assistant tool, shared networking support, and official
compatibility for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The latest release of
Parallels Desktop for Mac also supports Microsoft's recently-
released Windows Vista operating system, adds several
additional features, and repairs numerous bugs. Parallels
Desktop for Mac runs 'guest' operating systems inside a Mac by
allowing that operating system to run alongside Mac OS X,
managing system resources as the two systems co-exist side-
by-side. The latest revision ensures that Solaris guest operating
systems don't hang after suspending or resuming, and includes
an improved Parallels Tools package. Parallels Desktop now
offers full support for OpenBSD 3.8 as a guest operating system,
and ensures that the G4U hard disk cloning tool works in virtual
machines.

The update offers better video output improvement and
acceleration, adds multi interface USB devices support (including
Windows Mobile 2005 devices), and includes isochronous USB
devices support (such as Webcam devices). Keyboard support is
improved in the free update as well, adding recognition for the
eject CD key as well as the difference between left and right
shift, control, and alt/option keys. Parallels Desktop for Mac
adds a virtual disk cache policy option that enables users to
select whether to optimize performance for Mac OS X or a guest
operating system. The latest release fixes the Image Tool, offers
an optimized disk cache policy for suspend/resume, and fixes
suspend/resume functionality with Windows ME guest operating
systems. The free update also includes acceleration for first time
access to shared folders, fixes the clipboard synchronization
tool, and improves sound recording as well as playback
functionality.

Copyright ©1995-2005 Macintosh News Network, Inc. All rights
reserved.

[trialmanager]

I thought ...

... despite not being an IT expert, as as PC user I wonder if this "virtualization" allows for the Window's applicatons comunicate with the Mac applications. I doubt it.

[richard.blain]

Will Vista be supported ?

A number of software is unsupported under Vista, and it's seems it will be even more unstable on a mac platform ...

[john55440]

I would rather run Windows on an HP...

Like 98% of the world, I have no interest in the Mac.