Parallels runs virtual Vista on PC and Mac

Parallels Workstation 2.2 for Windows and Linux, and an update for Parallels Desktop for Mac offer new capabilities

Virtualisation firm Parallels is updating both its PC and Mac tools to boost performance and add support for Windows Vista as a guest operating system.

Parallels Workstation 2.2 for Windows and Linux, and an update for Parallels Desktop for Mac are both currently available as release candidate (RC) versions. Shipping code is expected in a few weeks, the firm said.

For PC users, Parallels Workstation 2.2 includes better support for Intel's Virtualisation Technology (VT) and AMD's Secure Virtual Machine (SVM) featured in newer processor chips. It also adds support for the beta and RC versions of Windows Vista to the range of guest operating systems supported.

The new RC of Parallels Desktop for Mac is now compatible with all Intel-based Mac systems. It also includes a number of bugfixes, and adds experimental support for Windows Vista virtual machines.

Parallels said it is working on a further RC version of Parallels Desktop for Mac that will be compatible with any Mac with any amount of memory.

When the shipping versions of each product are finally released, existing users will be automatically updated. The current Parallels Workstation costs $49.99 (£27), while Parallels Desktop for Mac costs $79.99 (£43).

Meanwhile, Apple has released an updated version of its Boot Camp tool that helps configure Intel-based Macs to run Windows in a dual-boot configuration. The update adds support for the new Core 2 Duo Mac systems.