Windows Virtualization on Intel Macs

MacRumors · Apr 6, 2006

Parallels released their Windows virtualization solution for the Intel Mac today. The product is called Parallels Workstation 2.1 Beta and a free fully functional copy is available for download now.

Unlike Apple's Boot Camp solution, Parallels solution allows you to run Windows XP (and other Intel-based operating systems) from within Mac OS X. Rebooting or Dual Booting is not required. This allows users to maintain their daily environment while also being able to use any desired Windows applications. It is only available for the Intel Macs and should provide near-native performance.

Parallels Workstation 2.1 Beta for Mac OS X is NOT simply a "dual-boot" solution; rather, it empowers users the ability to use Windows, Linux and any other operating system at the same time as Mac OS X, enabling users to enjoy the comfort of their Mac OS X desktop while still being able to use critical applications from other OSes.

Parallels appears to be taking advantage of the Intel Virtualization Technology which was included in the Intel Yonah processors that are now shipping in the Intel Macs.

Arnaud · Apr 6, 2006

That's already better than a boot-solution...
At least you can keep the whole OsX in the background for all tasks !

A.

(First post !)

Cinematographer · Apr 6, 2006

Definitely much better a solution than Boot Camp.

Chaszmyr · Apr 6, 2006

Are the video drivers sufficient for running a game? if not, can the Boot Camp drivers some how be used?

iBunny · Apr 6, 2006

AMAZING!

Both Soultions are great!! Now, Boot camp offers native enviroment for gaming!!! And the Virtulization offers the ability to run windows within the Mac OS!!!

w000t

Steve Jobs, I never thought I would say it but thank you for opening up this opportunity. Now , I only have to buy 1 computer.... and its a Mac.!!!!

Macheath_Messer · Apr 6, 2006

Cool! This is interesting. . .

Now this is interesting (at least for me). I would love to be able to run XP within a window for those 2 programs I need it for, instead of having to reboot. I haven't gotten the chance to look at this yet, but I wonder if it will include direct support for video cards (thus allowing the use of DirectX)?

Wow, some exciting times here the last couple days.

FWIW,

Mackie

skillz1318 · Apr 6, 2006

yeah, i want to install xp for gaming purposes...which would run games better you think, boot camp or virtualization? im thinking boot camp...

Thanks

paulchen · Apr 6, 2006

oh no

Please tell me that it is impossible to use os x on a windows pc. If not, good night apple.

50548 · Apr 6, 2006

Parallel's solution seems wonderful indeed, as I loathe any possibility of booting Winblows...it's more like a native speed VirtualPC...very promising.

backspinner · Apr 6, 2006

Woot! Now this is good news for business users! Apple will get a grip on the corporate IT budgets.

andiwm2003 · Apr 6, 2006

great, thats more like it. no dual boot.

the only question is how viruses will behave under this system. maybe there is a simple and safe solution to this (aside of not using windows!)?

mcadam · Apr 6, 2006

Wow - seems we are experiencing a virtual tsunami of windows on mac these days... Gawd damn I'm curious to see some benchmarks soon. If this will open up for all the lovely 3d and other design apps (Ooh Rhino, app of my dreams) that has never been made for a mac I'm a happy guy... but it does demand that it works, more or less, at native speed as promised.

paulchen said:
Please tell me that it is impossible to use os x on a windows pc. If not, good night apple.

It is impossible to use os x on a windows pc.

A

galstaph · Apr 6, 2006

Hopefully the virtualization box keeps the beast fully contained, someone needs to compare this benchmark-wise with boot camp

originally posted by mcadam
It is impossible to use os x on a windows pc.

not quite, but it is not recommended and isn't fully functional (i.e. it is hacked to work)

hd78 · Apr 6, 2006

Thank You (God or whoever) for bootcamp and this. PC hardware will be the best for the money if everything goes well in my opinion.

DTphonehome · Apr 6, 2006

Sheesh, this is all happening so fast! I'd like to see performance of this virtualization scheme...how are graphics, and are all the device drivers included? Can you just use Apple's own driver set (which Boot Camp gives you)?

Platform · Apr 6, 2006

Amazing...just hope for the people with Intel Mac's that the drivers from Boot Camp will work..

Cinematographer · Apr 6, 2006

paulchen said:
Please tell me that it is impossible to use os x on a windows pc. If not, good night apple.

It is impossible. It has been tried before, but you don't get a stable system. More crashes than Windows 3.1

And: it's illegal.

DTphonehome · Apr 6, 2006

paulchen said:
Please tell me that it is impossible to use os x on a windows pc. If not, good night apple.

Well, it is possible, but only a hardcore group of enthusiasts have actually done it, so it isn't supported in any way. And forget your average PC user doing that install. Also, the hacked version of OS X is both illegal and often a couple steps behind the current Apple release.

paulchen · Apr 6, 2006

yes!!

Now I'm asking me: Should I install this or Boot camp to chat with my friends in Msn with a cam. (I install my old webcam)
But even my girlfriend who has an windows pc told me: are you fool?? Why would you like to install windows?

Electro Funk · Apr 6, 2006

Wow... I am beside myself.... Somebody pinch me...

I don't know what to say regarding the last 2 days....

Dual booting supported and today virtualization...

mark88 · Apr 6, 2006

Can someone please hurry up and try it out?

hob · Apr 6, 2006

mark88 said:
Can someone please hurry up and try it out?

Amen to that!!

I want to know if you can run Half-Life 2 with this program, because if you can...

I shall be buying me an intel mac this summer!!

DTphonehome · Apr 6, 2006

Electro Funk said:
Wow... I am beside myself.... Somebody pinch me...

I don't know what to say regarding the last 2 days....

Dual booting supported and today virtualization...

And tomorrow...the world!! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!

paulchen · Apr 6, 2006

Mac intel

The Imac is the best computer I've erver bought!!!!! What a chance!! Thank you apple. But don't forget to make publicity for your computers

aussie_geek · Apr 6, 2006

WOW!!

way too much for me to process at the moment. i will have to look into this at work tomorrow

. it seems that it is a great time to be a Mac user. This is obviously a prelude to Leopard. Are there any patents on this concept?? Will Apple have to pay this company to use its technology in their new OS??

uncertain times are ahead...

aussie_geek

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