Parallels announced that it is bringing virtualization to Windows Vista via a free update for Parallels Workstation 2.2 for Windows and Linux, the company’s easy-to-use desktop virtualization software that enables users to simultaneously run multiple operating systems on any PC running Linux or Windows – including Windows Vista - as a primary operating system.
In addition to offering full support for PCs running Vista as a primary operating system, the update also improves the performance of Windows Vista virtual machines by as much as 200 percent, and offers a complete Parallels Tools package for Windows Vista virtual machines. Parallels Tools is a free set of helpful add-ons included with each copy of Parallels Workstation 2.2 that improves the usability of virtual machines by enhancing video, sound and networking support, as well as enabling file sharing and the cutting, copying and pasting of data between operating systems.
Parallels Workstation 2.2 enables users to simultaneously run any version of Windows, including Beta and RC builds of Windows Vista, any Linux distribution, Solaris, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, OS/2, eComStation or DOS, in a stable, secure virtual machine on any computer running Windows 2000, XP, 2003 or Vista, or any version of Linux. No re-booting or partitioning is required, and users never need to shut down or leave their home desktop to access a virtual machine.
“The world runs on Windows, and so it was critical for us to offer fast, stable primary and guest OS support for Vista, the next generation of this important operating system,” said Benjamin Rudolph, Marketing Manager, Parallels. “Now, users can not only test Vista in a safe, secure virtual machine, but can also run any other OS in a virtual machine on any PC with Vista as its primary operating system. With this new capability, Workstation really offers users the best of all worlds.”
Registered Parallels Workstation customers will receive the Workstation 2.2 update automatically if the auto-update feature of Parallels Workstation is enabled. Alternatively, users can manually download and install the update at www.parallels.com/en/download/workstation. There is no cost for this update. Customers should note that upgrading Workstation 2.2 will not require re-installing any guest OSes or applications, although Parallels Tools should be reinstalled.
New users can download and evaluate Workstation 2.2 free for 15 days at www.parallels.com/en/download/workstation. Full versions of the product can be purchased at www.parallels.com/en/buyonline. The Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for Parallels Workstation is $49.99.