Macworld - Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is now available.
In addition to 3-D graphics support, the Snapshots security tool and improved integration between Windows and Mac OS X, the new version adds more than 50 productivity and security features.
Among the new features in Version 3.0 is SmartSelect, a tool that lets you open up any file from Windows or Mac OS X using an application from either operating system. For example, SmartSelect is automatically configured to mount and open Mac .dmg installer files in OS X, even if they were downloaded in Windows via Internet Explorer or Outlook, and to automatically open .exe files in Windows, even if they reside in Mac OS X.
Another big feature in the release is 3-D support for OpenGL and DirectX graphics software, which enables users to run Windows games from inside Parallels without having to reboot.
The Snapshots tool will enable users to store their virtual machine state at custom intervals, according to Parallels Inc. Users can roll back to a previous state as needed and control levels of integration and isolation using the VM Sentry. They can also make a virtual machine read-only to further protect it, the company said. Parallels is also including a six-month trial of virus and spyware protection.
Version 3.0 now includes Vista Boot Camp support; Parallels Explorer and Security Manager are also part of the release.
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is available immediately for $79.99.
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