Parallels

The Parallels Desktop 4.0 Software from Parallels is a software package for Intel Macs that allows you to configure and run virtual machines from within OS X. You'll be able to run Windows, DOS, Linux, and other x86 operating systems side-by-side from within OS X. This is an excellent choice for web and systems developers, or professionals who need to use Windows-only applications on a Mac.

• Virtual Machines

Parallels allows you to configure and install any number of virtual machines. You'll be able to install Windows, DOS, Linux, BeOS, OS/2, or any other x86-based operating system that strikes your fancy. You can even virtualize Mac OS X Leopard Server, making this a great option for network administrators. You'll need to own a licensed copy of any operating system you wish to install via Parallels.

• Coherence Mode

Parallels features a "coherence mode," which allows you to run Windows applications directly on your OS X desktop. You'll be able to use it to launch a Windows application directly from the dock, and seamlessly access information from both Windows and Mac OS X.

• iPhone Access

You'll be able to start, stop, and manage Windows virtual machines from your iPhone. This allows you to control Parallels, even when you are away from your computer.

• Transporter

The Transporter is a tool that allows you to migrate an existing PC system to a Parallels virtual machine. This is a great tool for users who are making the "switch" from a PC to the superior Mac OS X system. The Transporter works with Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, and Linux.

• Installation Assistant

The Installation Assistant tool walks you through the steps of configuring a virtual machine in Parallels. The Assistant takes a three-step approach to setting up a virtual machine, ensuring that the operation will be as painless as possible.

• Smart Select

Smart Select allows you to associate any Windows or Mac application with any file type on your system. This allows you to work with files with your application of choice, regardless of which operating system it runs on.

• Snapshots

We've all deleted a file by accident, or mistakenly installed a software program that renders our system useless at one point or another. Snapshots allow you to create a record of your virtual machine as it was created; this allows you to "roll back" to the previous version in case something stops working unexpectedly.

• Explorer

The Parallels Explorer allows you to access Windows files and folders directly from the OS X desktop. This feature lets you easily find files and documents, browse your Windows system, and even gives you access to Windows documents in the event of a Windows system crash.

• 3D Graphics Support

Feel like playing a graphics-intensive, 3D video game on your Mac? Parallels offers full support for DirectX and OpenGL graphics. You'll be able to play Windows-only games, such as Half-life and World of Warcraft, with the 3D hardware acceleration that is built into your Mac. It also supports professional 3D applications, such as AutoCAD 2008.