Users can now run Windows, Linux and other platforms easily on their Intel based Mac computer as Parallels has just unveiled Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac. Parallels Desktop 5 has been added support to both Leopard and Snow Leopard.
There are up to 70 new features newly added to Parallels Desktop 5 which is claimed to make the entire program faster, smarter, and more powerful.
Parallels Desktop 5 now offers full Aero support for Windows 7 and Vista and an improved Parallels Transporter promises to speed up and ease the task of converting a standalone PC into a Parallels virtual machine. Parallels claims that thanks to the version 5, USB transfer speeds in Windows are faster than before, and Parallels Compressor runs in the background to optimize the size of the virtual machine for better performance.
Other new features of Parallels Desktop 5 include a more Mac-like experience through a new Crystal view mode, which basically makes the Windows operating system disappear–Parallels’ icon vanishes from the Dock and application switcher, and it’s replaced with a Parallels icon in the menu bar. Users can access to the Windows start menu by clicking that icon and a folder in the Dock provides access to Windows applications. Parallels Desktop 5 also add MacLook mode which is able to make Windows’ windows look more like those in OS X–squared corners are rounded off, and the close/zoom buttons are replaced with the standard OS X colored versions.
Using Parallels Desktop, users can use pinch and swipe gestures in many applications. For example, you can pinch in or out on the trackpad to change the zoom level on a Word for Windows document. You can also copy and paste formatted text and images between not just the Mac OS and Windows, but with Linux as well. Multiple monitor support has been improved as well, making it easier to use Windows and Linux applications on multi-monitor Macs.
Parallels also make the interface of the version 5 streamlined to make it simpler so that you can easily find the settings you want to change. Both Windows and Linux guest operating systems can be installed via an easy installer, and Parallels supports up to eight virtual CPUs, and 64-bit versions of Windows and Mac OS X Server.
Parallels Desktop 5 also has OpenGL 2.1 acceleration in Linux which could be seen as one of the most powerful features in this version. The graphics performance in games and 3D applications is claimed to be seven times better than the prior version of Parallels, and a revised interface gives users greater power over their virtual machines. Users are now allowed to use a new floating virtual machine window to control the order of the machines in the list, apply custom colors, and see snapshots of activity on each virtual machine.
The program also let users compress or expand the size of the virtual machine’s hard drive directly, no need for any external application. The program also includes Smart Card reader support, for those businesses using this security technology. For those who wish to test drive Windows, Parallels will be making virtual appliances available that include trial versions of the various Windows operating systems.
