Parallels Virtualization software debuts: Allows simultaneous running of Windows XP and Mac OS X

As if Boot Camp wasn't enough of a Windows XP shock for one week, a company called Parallels has debuted new virtualization software that allows the simultaneous running of Windows XP and Mac OS X.

Parallels Workstation is a new piece of beta software that allows the use of any version of Windows (3.1, 3.11, 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT, XP, 2003), any Linux distribution, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, or MS-DOS in secure virtual machines running alongside Mac OS X.

As far as performance, don't expect the same blazing speeds afforded by booting directly into Windows XP with Boot Camp.

Parallels says:

"Driven by full support for dual-core processors and Intel Virtualization Technology (included in almost every new Intel-powered Mac), virtual machines created using Parallels Workstation 2.1 Beta offer near-native performance and rock-solid stability."

You can download the free beta at the Parallels Web site.

Problems with disk image on MacBook Pro In-house, the downloadable beta disk image containing Parallels workstation failed to mount properly for the first few attempts. Continually re-downloading the disk image resulted in an eventual successful mount.

If you are experiencing a similar issue, or have successfully installed the software and want to share your experience, please let us know at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources