Parallels Desktop 8 has been made available for public purchase,
offering faster graphics and improved startup and resume times over
previous versions. If you need to run Windows or any other operating
system on your
Mac,
then while dual booting is arguably the fastest and most stable option
for executing code, another approach that perhaps has more utility is
virtualization, where you can open a window to the hardware on your
system and allow a second operating system to run simultaneously.
In the past week, the developers for the top two commercial virtualization programs for OS X (VMWare Fusion and Parallels Desktop)
have announced new version upgrades that promote faster graphics,
better integration into OS X, and quicker boot and resume times for
guest operating systems (especially Windows). These features are similar
to advancements made in prior versions of the programs, to increase
compatibility and speed in order to offer users a more seamless
experience with secondary operating systems and do so better than the
competition.
Both VMWare Fusion 5 and Parallels Desktop 8 were announced last week;
however, VMWare Fusion beat Parallels Desktop to the punch by making
its latest version available a week before Parallels was set to release
its software upgrade. In response, Parallels made the upgrade available
to existing customers within a couple of days, but has stuck to its
original September 4 release date for new customers.
Now Parallels Desktop 8 is officially available to everyone, and can be purchased from Parallels
for $79 for new customers, $39.99 for students, and $49.99 as an
upgrade for existing customers. As with prior versions, Parallels
Desktop has a free trial that you can use for a month before purchasing a
license.
If you use OS X but need to run Windows for its various services and
program options, Linux and Unix variants, or even another instance of OS
X for testing purposes, then you can do so using VMWare Fusion or
Parallels Desktop. These programs have been invaluable options for OS X
users, and can greatly enhance your Mac's capabilities if your workflow
regularly includes services and features of multiple operating systems.
Windows 8 Release Preview
It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows
for new devices. And it's easy to try now—whether you're installing it
for the first time, or moving from Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
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