Fusion 3 arrives, putting Aero on Mac screens

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 05:55

IT Industry - Development

Fusion 3 supports Microsoft's VHD 'test drive' images (Parallels Desktop and Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac virtual machines are also supported), so potential customers can take advantage of the free trial periods for both the virtualisation software and the operating systems before deciding to part with any cash.

One obstacle is that the Windows 7 VHD can only be downloaded to a system that passes Windows validation, so it may be necessary to install a previous version of Windows to download it.

VMware has compiled a list of direct links to Microsoft's XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008 VHDs.

If Windows has already been installed using Boot Camp, Fusion 3 can run that image and optionally import it into a virtual machine.

According to VMware officials, more than 140 different operating systems - including Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server - can be used as guests under Fusion 3.

The Fusion 3 trial is available here.

Fusion 3 costs $US79.99, or $US99.99 for a licence that includes any major new versions released in the 12 months after purchase.

Upgrades from Fusion 1 or 2 are $US39.99 ($US59.99 with 12 month upgrade protection). Those purchasing Fusion 2 between October 1 and November 30 are entitled to a free upgrade.