Parallels today released Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac, a new version of its software that enables Mac users run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems at the same time as OS X on a single Mac desktop, without rebooting. For people that need access to both Mac and PC software, Parallels can eliminate the need to have a second computer.
Parallels Desktop 3.0 introduces over 50 new features, enhancements and improvements.

One key new features is SmartSelect, which lets users use any OS X or Windows application to open any file type, regardless of whether that file is on the Mac or Windows desktop. Users can select the right application to open a file each time via right click, or can set a default application association to ensure that a given class of file always opens in a specific application.

For example, if you set Word for Windows to be the default application to work with .doc, .rtf and .txt files, you could double click a file with that extension in either OS and instantly open the file in Word for Windows.

SmartSelect is also automatically configured to mount and open Mac .dmg installer files in OS X, even if they were downloaded in Windows via Internet Explorer or Outlook, and to automatically open .exe files in Windows, even if they reside in Mac OS X.

Other key features include Snapshots, which save the state of a machine’s virtual system; Security Manager, which lets users limit interaction between Windows and OS X; and hardware accelerated 3D graphics – which lets you frag away in Quake and Half-Life 2.

3D Graphics Support

“Parallel Desktop 3.0 for Mac on Intel-based Macs is enabling a new era in virtualization,” said Doug Fisher, Intel Vice President of System Software Division. “Users can now run multiple operating systems while enjoying blistering performance, energy efficiency and powerful resource management on desktop and mobile computers.”

Other major Parallels Desktop 3.0 performance, usability and security features include:

• Snapshots: An important new security and backup tool that makes Parallels virtual machines “bulletproof”. Snapshots instantly save the state of a virtual machine’s memory, settings and hard disk, and revert back to that instant at any time. This gives users the freedom to make changes, try beta software, and explore the internet without the risk of corrupting their virtual machine. If a mishap occurs, the user can revert back to a VM snapshot with a single click, erasing all changes – including major system errors – that happened after the snapshot was taken. A built-in, map-inspired Snapshot Manager helps users manage multiple snapshots.
• Security Manager: A built in management tool that helps users customize the level of interaction between Windows and OS X, including how and when files can be shared between OSes, if “drag and drop” is enabled or disabled, and when hard disks and devices are mounted and accessible.
• Hardware-Accelerated 3D Graphics: Strong support for OpenGL and DirectX brings Windows’ vast library of 3D-intensive applications to the Mac. Without leaving their Mac desktop, users can play popular Windows-only 3D games such as Quake, Half-Life 2, and World of Warcraft, as well as work with complex Windows-only 3D CAD programs.
• Parallels Explorer: Without launching Windows, users can view and modify the contents of their Windows virtual hard drive using Parallels Explorer, which is included as a free, stand-alone tool with every copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0. Users can drag files to and from the virtual hard drive, move or re-name existing files and create new folders.
• Vista Boot Camp Support: Existing Windows Vista Boot Camp partitions, as well as Windows XP Boot Camp partitions can be run in a Parallels virtual machine. Users can switch between running Windows in Parallels Desktop and Boot Camp as often as they would like.

Availability and Pricing

Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is available for online purchase and boxed copies are available at the Apple Store, Fry’s Electronics, MicroCenter, CompUSA, Amazon.com, Staples, Office Depot, select Best Buy locations, and hundreds of other retailers nationwide.

The full list price of the software is $79.99. Current Parallels Desktop users can upgrade their existing software to version 3.0 for $49.99.

via CNet