Parallels 3.0 vs. 4.0

Parallels desktop allows two operating systems to run simultaneously.

Parallels Desktop is a program that allows a computer to run a second operating system (OS) at the same time as its native OS. Several changes were made in the upgrade from the 3.0 version to the 4.0 version of Parallels Desktop.

Speed

The virtualization engine was upgraded in Parallels 4, which the company claimed gave the program a 50 percent increase in operating speed.

Features

Over 50 separate features and enhancements were made in Parallels 4, including the ability to save screenshots between OSs, remote iPhone management, and support for Direct X 9.0 and OpenGL 2.0. Version 4 also boasts increased support for more OSs and improved graphics capabilities.

Controversy

When Parallels 4 was initially released, some users reported significant performance degradations, particularly when in "Coherence" mode (where both OSs run on the same screen, allowing drag-and-drop between windows). Parallels promptly released a hotfix, which addressed most of the issues raised.

References

• Gizmodo: Parallels 4 Out Now: 50% Faster Than Parallels 3
• Tuaw.com: Parallels 4 is released
• The Register: Parallels 4 users want their money back