Are you hesitant to switch to a Macintosh because you don’t want to miss your favorite Windows applications? Now you have no excuses, with a new version of Parallels virtualization software offering better ease of use and new features.

With Parallels, Intel processor Mac computers can run Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, or other operating systems simultaneously, without a need to reboot.

The new Coherence feature of Parallels lets you run Windows applications (Outlook, Internet, Explorer, etc.) directly on the Mac desktop. When working in “coherence” mode, the Windows desktop disappears completely for the user. Windows applications can be opened directly from the Apple Dock.

You can move your mouse pointer at will between operating systems and easily share an Internet connection. You can drag and drop files between the Mac and Windows, too, or drag an entire file folder onto a “Shared Folders” icon in Windows.

Now what’s the catch? The software works best on Macs with a lot of memory. Parallels recommends at least 1 gigabyte – because the software can put a strain on the system. The software cost you around $80 and requires a full version of Windows, not an upgrade.

At present, the software doesn’t work with FireWire, can’t handle heavy-duty 3D graphics and doesn’t let you run Vista’s Aero interface.

While the software addresses something that’s been on the wish lists of Mac users for a long time – a way to run Windows programs as if belong to the Mac, rather than Windows, it looks like we’re still a little way away from being able to truly run full Windows application on a Mac desktop.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, March 11th, 2007 at 3:46 am under Microsoft, Software, Technology.

Read more entries by Ruben Francia.
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