| Parallels 3 for 3D |
|
| by Stephen Withers | |
| Friday, 08 June 2007 | |
      
Parallels Desktop for Mac creates a virtualised environment allowing other operating systems such as Windows and Linux to run within Mac OS X. One of the biggest shortcomings of previous versions was the lack of 3D hardware acceleration, making it less than ideal for gaming and other graphically demanding software. The alternative was to reboot the computer directly into Windows, having installed that operating system with the aid of Apple's Boot Camp software. Productivity features in Parallels 3.0 include SmartSelect and Parallels Explorer. SmartSelect lets users nominate the application to be used to open particular file types on either platform. For example, .xls files in both environments could be associated with Excel for Windows, while .pdf files might be set to open in Mac OS X's Preview. By default, Parallels opens .dmg files in Mac OS X, and .exe files in Windows. Parallels Explorer allows the use of a Windows virtual hard drive from Mac OS X, without starting Windows itself. This simplifies the transfer of files between environments, and allows Windows file management to be done from Mac OS X. Also new is the ability to boot Vista or XP partitions created by Boot Camp in Parallels virtual machines, and the ability to take snapshots of a virtual machine and its virtual hard drive allowing any changes to be undone with a mouseclick. This would be especially useful for software testing purposes. "This new version is an important milestone for us helping computer users get the best of all operating systems on a single, seamless desktop," said Nick Dobrovolskiy, Parallels' CEO. "With new features that deliver more flexibility, increased security and peace-of-mind, working with multiple operating systems has never been easier, safer, or more fun." Intel welcomed the announcement. "Parallel Desktop 3.0 for Mac on Intel-based Macs is enabling a new era in virtualization," said Doug Fisher, vice president of its system software division. "Users can now run multiple operating systems while enjoying blistering performance, energy efficiency and powerful resource management on desktop and mobile computers. This is made possible by Parallel's virtualization software that fully utilizes the capabilities of Intel Virtualization Technology built into Intel Core Microarchitecture processor technologies." Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac costs $US79.99 whether downloaded or purchased as a boxed copy from a retailer. Upgrades from version 2.0 are $US49.99, and a 15-day free trial is offered.{moscomment} |
Tags
| < Next story in category | Previous story in the category > |
|---|
