Parallels Mac Virtualization Gets Major Update

Parallels updated its software that allows Mac users to run Windows within Mac OS X on Thursday, adding support for Vista Boot Camp partitions, among other enhancements.

The new version will not come free to current customers as past updates have, customers have to pay $49.99 to upgrade. Those installing Parallels for the first time will be charged the full list price of $79.99.

"This new version is an important milestone for us helping computer users get the best of all operating systems on a single, seamless desktop," CEO Nick Dobrovolskiy said in a statement.

Parallels Desktop 3.0 is the first major update for the Mac client since its release last year. Approximately 50 new features have been added, and the software takes full advantage of virtualization technology from Intel to boost stability and performance.

SmartSelect is one of the biggest new features, which allows a user to select an application on either OS X or Windows and have that application open the file, regardless of which partition it is located on or what OS is being used.

For example, Parallels has programmed the feature out of the box to open .dmg files in OS X, and .exe files in Windows by default.

Along with SmartSelect, version 3.0 also includes enhancements for 3D graphics, security upgrades, Parallels Explorer, which allows the modification of a Windows virtual hard drive without booting Windows, and support for Boot Camp partitions with Vista installed.

This version also contains a feature called Snapshots, which allows a user to revert back to a former condition of a virtual machine with a single mouse click, similar to Windows' System Restore. Users can also navigate through various "snapshots" using the Snapshot Manager.

While the new version is available immediately for download, Parallels said it will take about two weeks or so for boxed copies to make it to participating retailers, including the Apple Store.