Following several weeks of beta testing, Parallels today released the Official Update of Parallels Desktop for Mac, the first solution enabling users to run Windows, Linux and OS X simultaneously on any Intel-powered Mac - without re-booting.

The Official Update, which is free for all Parallels Desktop users, includes a number of important, performance-enhancing features, including:

• Full support for new quad-processor Mac Pro towers and Core 2 Duo Macs with any memory configuration
  
• Guest OS support for Microsoft Vista Beta1, Beta2, and RC1
  
• Host OS support for developer builds of OS X 10.5 "Leopard"
  
• Better USB support, including support for webcams and Windows Mobile 5 devices
  
• A hard disk caching tool that improves OS X performance when running Parallels
  
• Improved sound and video quality in virtual machines
  

A full list of improvements and new features is available at www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/newfeatures

"This Official Update offers complete compatibility with any Intel-Mac with any memory configuration, includes support for Windows Vista, and adds a number of important enhancements for sound, video, and USB support, as well as overall performance for both the host Mac and guest Windows machines" said Benjamin Rudolph, Marketing Manager, Parallels. "We value the user feedback that has helped us deliver the best solution for running Windows on Macs."

Users who have Parallels Desktop auto-update enabled will receive the Official Update automatically. Users who do not have auto-update enabled can manually download the update by clicking "Check for Updates" in the "Help" tab of the Parallels menu bar, or download the new build directly from the Parallels Download Center at www.parallels.com/download/desktop.

Active Parallels Desktop users should note that upgrading to the Official Update will not require a re-install of any guest operating systems or any applications. After upgrading, users should re-install Parallels Tools.

New users are welcome to download and evaluate a free 15-day trial version of Parallels Desktop at www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/. Full versions of the product can be purchased at www.parallels.com/en/buyonline/, or in any Apple Store, Staples, Office Depot, Micro Center, Fry`s Electronics, or CompUSA location. The Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for Parallels Desktop is $79.99.