Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac [OLD VERSION]

I've had Parallels 3.0 4 about a year now. I would NOT recommend this product 2 anyone.

Not only does running my Win XP virtual machine constantly crash my MacBook Pro (I have 2 do a hard reboot), but I also frequently get out of virtual memory Monitor PE error messages. I have 4GB of RAM!!!! I have 2 reboot my MacBook & restart Parallels 2 get it going again. I emailed Parallels' tech support when I first got the product & NEVER heard back from them. Finally, various manufacturers' drivers CD auto installers will not run in Parallels. I had 2 manually load printer drivers, etc.

I got so sick & tired of Paralles crashing that I finally tried VMWare Fusion 2 4 the past couple of weeks & so far, so good. I've been able 2 use CDs' auto installers, & so far, I've had no errors - that's after loading 3 VMs (XP, server 2008, & Ubuntu).

Have had Parallels 4 six months. Love my Mac but just based on reviews of Quicken 4 Mac, I decided 2 try Parallels so that I could keep Quicken 4 Windows (over a decade of use & files). Parallels installed fairly well but I never could get Coherence 2 work so I powered up Windows separately from MAC when I needed it - a few times a week. Not ideal, but my Windows programs loaded & worked fine. I had a few issues with Parallels after install & discovered (Buyer Beware) that they provide ZERO free phone support even 4 installation problems. Parallels telephone incident support is $29.99 per incident. That puts even Quicken's lack of technical support 2 shame. I would wait 4 days 4 an email from Parallels technical support. Sometimes I would get multiple emails from different techies 4 the same issue. All with tortured syntax (I believe tech support is in Russia) & rarely helpful. I found better help crawling through the forums & Googling.

November 14 2008 - I've upgraded 2 Parallels 4.0 based on rave reviews (I should really know better by now 2 wait a little while before installing new release software - sigh...) & alas - it won't install 2 virtual machine. I cannot launch Windows & thus cannot access my Windows programs. I'm grateful the installation did not affect my MAC OS. I sent a trouble ticket through the Parallels support website (the Website states that they are working night & day 2 help with customers with the new release - wish I'd looked at that before purchasing & installing) & now I wait....and hope..... I see an additional $29.99 charge coming in the near future.

My advice - wait until 4.0 SP1 comes out before purchasing.

I have been a saisfied Parallels user 4 about two years. I am participating in the Parallels 4 beta review & am pleased 2 report that this new software is great! Stable, very fast, new user interface, 3d directx 9.0, open GL, DirectX shaders, 32 & 64 bit operating systems, 256 video,8 gb ram, partition resizing FAT 32 support, are just some of the improvements. I think that this version will be available 2 the public within a few days.0

The install procedure is much improved & should go smoothly (occasionally Windows install acts up, but that is usually a Windows problem). (Follow the instructions exactly!) Parallels Tools take a while 2 install but should work well. If you have problems installing, rebooting the Mac seems 2 solve most of the problems.

I think that many more games will now work in Parallels (my Roller Coaster Tycoon now runs flawlessly & fast compared 2 several problems before). Other beta users reported a lot of applications that will now work. I still do not think that every game will work, so don't be disappointed if your doesn't.

The configure tab is much improved over previous versions & there are lots of things you can configure. My computer worked well with the default settings. You can right-click on the mouse & configure the menu bar on the startup screen.

I use Windows 4 Quicken, EWallet (synching with Iphone), Microsoft Publisher (all 2007 products work well), & several Coffee Cup web applications, & several other applications that aren't available in Mac versions. All of these applications work well. If you sync with Ewallet, be sure you use default networking.

I particularly like the Coherence mode. It has been improved over Parallels 3 & integrated fine with Mac. I have lots of clip art on the windows side & I can access it on the Mac side as fast as Mac files (was much slower in previous version.)

The integrated help user manual is great -- & explains most that you need 2 know.

The supporting applications (Compressor, etc.) are much improved & there are lots of ways 2 back up -- including an automatic one similar 2 time machine.

I have also beta tested a new iphone application which will eventually integrate with Parallels 4. As of now it will turn on & off, suspend, & pause the VM. I think the uses will eventually be expanded.

I am using this in my Imac 2.16 gb 4gb memory machine with Windows XP home. I would recommend that you use Windows XP (less problems than Vista) & with the coherence mode you really don't need 2 see an interface -- use the superior Mac one!

I only have one minor problem with the application. Commercial videos will not display in Coherence mode but work fine in Windowed mode & Full Screen mode. Hopefully, this will get fixed in an update.

I think they will still have a 30 day free trial (so no cost 2 give it a try). You won't be sorry.

And, no, I am not connected with Parallels in any way. Just like the product.

I purchased Parallel 3.0 4 mac, I installed & was never able 2 use it once (I must premise that I am not a novice with regard of both macs & PCs). I repacked the install disk & useless manuals back inside the product's box & it's all sitting unused. Parallels it's not a tool, it's a STOOL! I bought VMWARE fusion, I installed it, & in about 1/2 hour I had WINXP up & running on a virtual machine! By the way the 1/2 hour includes the time it took 2 install WINXP. In conclusion Parallels just stinks, save your money & purchase VMWARE fusion 4 mac.

Please understand that this product requires you 2 also purchase Microsoft Windows 4 it 2 work, making the whole idea of running Windows programs on your Mac much more expensive.

The first solution that gives Apple users the ability 2 run Windows, Linux or any other operating system & their critical applications at the same time as Mac OS X--without rebooting--on any Intel-powered iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook or MacBook Pro.

The killer app 4 Mac is now even better than ever!
Parallels Desktop 4 Mac enables you 2 run Windows, Linux, & more side-by-side with Mac OS X on any Intel-powered Mac, without rebooting. With Parallels' award-winning virtualization technology, you can run Mac OS X & your favorite Windows applications at the same time. You can even drag-and-drop files between desktops!

The latest release of Parallels Desktop 4 Mac comes packed with 50+ new features & enhancements, including SmartSelect, Snapshots, & 3D graphics. Learn more about the new capabilities in the latest release of our award-winning product.

Top 5 reasons 2 run Parallels:
	Run Windows-only applications on your Mac. Many of today's most popular applications are windows-only. Parallels enables you 2 run these applications on your Mac. Play computer games? Most PC games only run on Windows. With Parallels, you no longer have 2 sacrifice your favorite games!
	Run Selected 3D Games & Applications. OpenGL & DirectX support lets you explore a whole new world of 3D games & applications right on your Mac.
	Use any phone, MP3 player, & camera with your Mac. With Parallels, you can use your favorite devices, even if they're Windows-only. Connect your Blackberry, phone, camera, & MP3 player 2 your Mac!
	Run OS X, Windows, & Linux at the same time. With Parallels, you can run all of your favorite applications at the same time, regardless of the OS! No more rebooting 2 switch between OSes 2 use the applications you need.
	No-worry migrations! Parallels Transporter takes the hassle out of migration. No more losing valuable data, customizing your computer all over again, or reinstalling software. In just a few simple steps, you can move your entire existing Windows system 2 your new Mac.

With the latest version of Parallels, you can:

• Use Windows & Mac OS X at the same time... without rebooting
• Run Windows programs like native Mac applications with Parallels Coherence
• New! Open Windows files with Mac programs & Mac files in Windows programs with Parallels SmartSelect
• Share files & folders between Windows & Mac OS X
• New! Browse through Windows folders & access files without launching Windows with Parallels Explorer
• New! Run today's most popular PC games on a Mac with support 4 3D graphics
• Achieve maximum performance by leveraging Intel Virtualization Technology
• New! Protect your Windows with Parallels Snapshots
• Migrate your entire existing PC 2 your Mac with Parallels Transporter

Coherence
With Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac, you can run Windows applications like they were native 2 your Mac! Experience the new Coherence mode 2 enjoy the benefits of both operating systems, without managing two desktops. In Parallels Desktop 3.0, Coherence has been enhanced 2 make running both operating systems simultaneously even easier & more user-friendly.

Enjoy the benefits of both operating systems, without managing two desktops.

Using Parallels Desktop 3.0's Coherence, you can:

• Navigate Windows using the Windows taskbar directly on your Mac desktop
  
• Hide the Windows taskbar until you need it
  
• Launch your favorite Windows applications & access the Windows Start menu straight from your Mac Dock
  
• Use your Windows applications right on your Mac desktop, without resizing Windows itself
  
• Manage your open documents & files on the Windows taskbar while enjoying your favorite Mac Dock applications at the same time
  
• View Windows applications in Dock at your convenience! Choose your level of integration from Never, Always, & Only in Coherence.
  
• Maintain seamless access 2 all of your Windows & Mac documents, files, applications, hardware, & devices, making your user environment truly hassle-free
  
• Drag-and-drop files & folders instantly between Windows & Mac OS X
  
• Choose the best application 4 your needs, without flipping from one operating system 2 another
  
• Prefer Coherence over managing two desktops? Boot your virtual system 2 Coherence at startup, & truly avoid switching between operating systems.
  
• Mount your Windows operating system directly on your Mac desktop & enjoy instant access 2 all of your files, regardless of their OS Enjoy two operating systems while managing only one desktop. Coherence eliminates your having 2 switch between operating systems 2 enjoy your favorite Windows & Mac applications. You can almost forget that you're running two OSes!

Transporter
Transporter is a powerful tool that enables you 2 migrate your entire PC system 2 a Parallels virtual machine. Migrate your entire PC system, including operating system, applications, files, & personal settings--without losing data or reinstalling any software.

NEW! Now you can convert VMware Workstation/Server & Virtual PC virtual hard disks 2 a Parallels virtual machine AND migrate directly 2 your Mac using FireWire!

Transporter enables you 2 migrate your entire PC system 2 a Parallels virtual machine. View the demo.

Supported OSes Transporter--the application that creates Parallels virtual machines: * Windows 2000 * Windows XP * Windows 2003 * Windows Vista * Mac OS X * Linux Transporter Agent--the provider which enables online migration of Windows PC: * Windows 2000 * Windows XP * Windows 2003

Installation Assistant built-in tool
Thanks 2 Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac's Installation Assistant, installing Windows on your Mac is now even easier than installing it on a PC! This new built-in tool is already included in Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac.

How does it work?
With a powerful, easy 2 use "Express Windows OS Installation Mode" 4 Windows Vista & Windows XP, the Installation Assistant completely automates the virtual machine setup & installation of Windows--with almost no user interaction.

Start taking advantage of running Windows on your Mac in just three easy steps:

• Select which Windows operating system you want 2 install,
• Enter your name, company & Windows activation key,
• Click finish--and let the Installation Assistant do the rest!

You do not need 2 enter any additional information, select settings, or answer any potentially confusing technical questions. This built-in tool automatically completes the full installation in a pre-designed virtual machine.

After Windows is installed, the Installation Assistant automatically installs Parallels Tools, a free set of useful add-ons that improve networking, video, & sound support, syncs mouse activity & OS system clocks, & enables you 2 cut, copy, & paste of data, as well as file sharing, between Windows & OS X.

Need 2 run other operation systems on your Mac?
The Installation Assistant provides improved & user-friendly setup 4 other versions of Windows, plus any Linux distribution, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, & MS-DOS.

NOTE! If you are already using Parallels Desktop 4 Mac, updating Parallels Desktop 3.0 does not require a reinstall of any guest operating systems or applications. After updating, you should only reinstall Parallels Tools.

SmartSelect enables Mac users 2 open any Windows or Mac file with whichever software they choose.

View the SmartSelect demo!

SmartSelect
Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac's new SmartSelect enables Mac users 2 open any Windows or Mac file with whichever software they choose--regardless of its original OS! Now you can open Windows files with any Mac software & Mac files with any Windows software.

With support in both Windows & Mac OS X & deep document, email, & web-browser integration between the two operating systems, Parallels Desktop 3.0's SmartSelect frees you 2 choose the best software 4 the job, without interrupting your workflow.

Previously, Parallels Desktop users had 2 copy a file into either Windows or Mac OS X 2 open the file with the application they wanted. Now, in Parallels Desktop 3.0, you can open any file from either OS & view it with the software of your choice.

With SmartSelect, you can:

• View & edit a file with any compatible PC or Mac software available on your Intel Mac
  
• Set file-associations 2 open a file-type with specific Mac or PC software
  
• Set SmartSelect software settings "on the fly" or as the default

Imagine being able 2 double-click on a text document in Mac Finder & immediately launch Microsoft Word in Windows. Or synchronizing your digital life by playing all the MP3s in your music library with Mac iTunes--even if the files are located in Windows.

Parallels Desktop 3.0's SmartSelect goes beyond document integration. It also supports email & web browsing. Immediately view a PPT file a colleague sent you in Apple Mail using Windows PowerPoint. Click on any hyperlink in an email or document & have your default web-browser--such as Apple's Safari or Microsoft's Internet Explorer--launch. With SmartSelect, the possibilities are endless.

 

 

Snapshots enables you 2 erase mistakes & recover your virtual machine from system crashes & viruses with the click of a button.

View the Snapshot demo.

Snapshots
Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac's new Snapshots enables you 2 erase mistakes & recover your virtual machine from system crashes & viruses with the click of a button. Enjoy peace of mind with Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots.

A complete record of your virtual machine at the state it was created--OS, data, software, & settings--Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots enables you 2 quickly & easily create & save multiple snapshots, even while your virtual machine is running.

In the event a virus or a Windows system crash, you can conveniently rollback your virtual machine 2 any previously saved state with all of your data & software intact. (As opposed 2 losing all of your data & reinstalling Windows & all your PC software.) Additionally, periodically creating a set of backups facilitates faster recovery time 2 get back on your feet, if disaster strikes.

With Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshot Manager, you can manage & view all of your snapshots in a tree pane that includes screen shots 4 each snapshot. Snapshot Manager enables you 2 revert back 2 previous snapshots, delete snapshots, & edit description information 4 each snapshot.

Snapshots are excellent for:

• Bulletproofing your Windows virtual machine from viruses & spyware
  
• Creating a regularly scheduled backup 2 revert your virtual machine 2 any previous stable state
  
• Rolling back your virtual machine after a software update, system crash, or software testing

In an unpredictable world, Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots safeguards your data & creates a more reliable virtual machine so you can focus on more important things.

Access your Windows files & folders directly from your Mac desktop without even launching Windows using Parallels Explorer.

View the Explorer demo.

Parallels Explorer
Just need that one document? Where did that pdf go? Thanks 2 Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac's new Parallels Explorer, now you can access your Windows files & folders directly from your Mac desktop, without even launching Windows. With a deeper integration between Mac OS X & Windows, Parallels Desktop 3.0 makes it even easier 2 run Windows on your Mac.

Using Parallels Desktop 3.0's Explorer, you can:

• Access your Windows files & documents directly from your Mac Desktop
  
• Browse your Windows system directly on your Mac Dock
  
• Maintain access 2 your important Windows documents, even if the virtual machine crashes
  
• Drag-and-drop files & folders between Windows & OS X
  
• Save time with direct access 2 all of your critical files, without having 2 wait 4 your virtual machine 2 start & Windows 2 boot
  
• Create & delete files in your Windows system "on the fly"
  
• Troubleshoot your Windows system 4 tricky file errors & deleted folders
  
• ...all without even launching Windows.

Enjoy two operating systems while managing only one desktop. Parallels Explorer eliminates your having 2 wait 4 your virtual machine 2 start & Windows 2 boot just 2 access your key Windows files, folders, & documents. Running Windows & Mac has never been easier!

3D Graphics
NEW! Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac now supports DirectX 9 & OpenGL 1.5! No need 2 dedicate a separate Windows machine 2 running favorite 3D games & key graphics applications. Parallels Desktop 3.0 now brings the world of Windows 3D straight 2 your Mac like never before!

With Parallels Desktop 3.0, you can:

• Play Windows-only 3D games, such as Half-Life, World of Warcraft, & Unreal Tournament
  
• Render in complex 3D CAD programs such as AutoCAD 2008
  
• Work with CPU-intensive video & sound editing software such as Sony Vegas
  
• Run mission-critical 3D applications on your Mac
  
• Enjoy your favorite Windows-only games & graphics applications directly in your Windows virtual machine at full native speed--without rebooting

By including deep support 4 both DirectX & OpenGL, Parallels Desktop 3.0 4 Mac brings a world of Windows-only key productivity & entertainment software 2 Mac users 4 the first time. Now you can truly experience the best of both worlds on one machine!