| Software runs Linux, Windows apps on Mac desktops |
Feb. 28, 2007
Desktop software maker Parallels on Feb. 27 launched the final, stable version of its virtualization software for Intel-powered Apple Macs. "Desktop for Mac" aims to enable users to easily install and seamlessly run Linux, Windows, and other operating systems alongside Mac OS X on their Mac desktops -- without re-booting.
The new version of Parallels Desktop is anchored by Coherence, a virtualization technology that runs Linux or Windows applications on the Mac as if they are native applications, according to Benjamin Rudolph, director of communications at Parallels.
When users switch to Coherence mode, the Linux or Windows desktop disappears, leaving Linux or Windows applications -- such as GIMP or Outlook, for example -- running directly on the Mac desktop and from the Mac application dock, Rudolph said.
The Parallels desktop is customizable, and provides numerous options for loading and running applications, according to Rudolph. "When we introduced Parallels Desktop in April, we blurred the lines between the Mac and other worlds. With the introduction of Coherence, we completely blow that line away," he said.
"This is a game-changing technology that gives users the ability to choose the best application for the job at hand. We intend to expand the Coherence function to help computer users move to a truly operating system-agnostic desktop," Rudolph added.
Al Gillen, Research VP, System Software at IDC, commented, "Given the plethora of applications available for the Windows and Linux environments, making it practical for Mac OS X users to leverage those applications without a reboot is a powerful benefit for users."
"Hardware virtualization and the ability to support multiple operating systems simultaneously can offer significant value to clients as well as to servers," added Gillen.
Parallels Desktop also includes a new migration tool called Transporter, said to enable users to move their entire existing PCs -- including all of its settings, applications, files, and profiles -- directly to a Parallels virtual machine running on their new Macs, without re-installing Linux or Windows. Additionally, Transporter can automatically convert VMware Workstation and Microsoft Virtual PC images to Parallels-ready images, Rudolph added.
Key new features, as listed by Parallels, include:- Plug-and-play USB 2.0 support -- By upgrading USB support from 1.1 to 2.0, users can now access popular USB devices like external hard drives, printers, and scanners, and use them at full native speed, simply by plugging the device into their Macs. iSight cameras built-in to MacBooks, MacBook Pros and iMacs are also fully supported in virtual machines. There is no complicated setup required to make USB devices work, according to Rudolph.
- Full-feature virtual CD/DVD drive -- Users can burn CDs and DVDs directly in virtual machines and play any copy-protected CD or DVD -- just like on a real PC.
- Support for Boot Camp partitions -- The update gives Boot Camp users the ability to easily run their entire Boot Camp installation, directly in a Parallels virtual machine, without any complex setup or manual reconfiguration. Users can switch between loading Windows in Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp as often as they'd like.
- True "Drag and Drop" -- Easily share files between Linux, Windows and OS X by dragging documents and folders from one desktop to another.
- Compatible with Windows Vista -- Users can create a new virtual machine that runs Windows Vista, or upgrade a Windows XP virtual machine to a Windows Vista virtual machine, without losing any information or starting from scratch.
A complete list of features and improvements found in Parallels Desktop for Mac is available here.
Availability
Parallels Desktop for Mac is immediately available, priced at about $80. The company offers a free 15-day trial on its website, here.
You can view some screenshots of the desktop in action here.
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