Virtualization provider Parallels continues to move at record speeds as it pushes forward with updates for its PC and Mac versions of its desktop virtualization software. Parallels Workstation 2.2 for Windows and Linux and Parallels Desktop for Mac are both currently available in a release candidate version.

The PC version, Parallels Workstation 2.2, includes a number of key improvements. Perhaps one of the most asked for additions by end-users is the added guest operating system support for Windows Vista Beta 1, Beta 2, and RC1. The company also improved its support for Intel's Virtualization Technology (Intel VT) and AMD's Secure Virtual Machine Technology (SVM). These virtualization technologies help drive Parallel's virtual machine speed, performance and stability. The new version also offers improved USB support and performance, a smoother Shared Folders utility, support for Windows Mobile 2005 devices, and a redesigned, more user-friendly interface.

The new release candidate of Parallels Desktop for Mac (build 1898) offers substantial improvement to Mac Pro and 64-bit iMac performance, eliminates those annoying kernel panics, and fixes a number of major bugs. It also offers a new tool that will help with the 2GB RAM issue. Rather than manually limiting RAM via the command line in Terminal, the tool allows the end-user to perform the same action without any command line coding. The new build also adds support for Windows Vista RC1 as a guest operating system.

The company also said that it was currently working on a new RC build of Parallels Desktop for Mac that will be compatible with any Intel-based Mac with any amount of RAM. And it could be available within the next week or two.

Posted by David Marshall on September 23, 2006 06:33 AM