Chicago (IL) - Parallels, the company behind the virtualization software that allows Apple users to run Windows on their Mac’s, has unveiled Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac. Among a number of enhancements and features built into this latest version is the ability to run Leopard Serve in a virtual machine.

Parallels announced that this next major version of their will come with more than 50 enhancements and features, including a speed boost that makes Desktop 4.0  “up to” 50% faster than its predecessor.

Features highlighted by the developer cover the Adaptive Hypervisor which allows Parallels to load balance processes between the Mac OS and whatever is running on the Virtual Machine. Graphics performance has been improved, adding support for DirectX 9, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0 and OpenGL 2.0. Parallels also enables users to dedicate up to eight CPU and 8 GB of RAM to each virtual machine, depending upon what is available to allocate.

Parallels is shipping Desktop 4.0 now for $80. A trial is available via the company’s website, and those upgrading from previous versions can purchase the new version for $40.

Parallels claims that 1.5 million users worldwide are running the firm’s software.

" the company behind the virtualization software "

Nov 11, 2008 11:34     

This makes it sound like it is the only product out there for Mac users and VMWare doesn't have any Mac specific option here.
Jim L report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

DirectX 9.......

Nov 11, 2008 11:55     

DirectX 10 and Pixel Shader 3.0 would be appropriate these days. I guess you have to start somewhere even if it is a few years old. On the other hand...if you are one of the Mac users who have a one of those Macs that comes with four physical processor type models that will utilize 8 cores you will be in luck.
Quasar report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0