Parallels Makes Installing Windows on a Mac Easier than Installing
Windows on a PC, Simplifies Connecting Virtual Machines to the
Internet
RENTON, WA. — November 1st, 2006 — Parallels is making installation
of the Windows operating system on a Mac even easier than
installation on a PC with the introduction of the Parallels
Installation Assistant. The software comes included as part of
Parallels Desktop for Mac, the fastest, most powerful solution for
running PC operating systems at the same time as OS X – without
re-booting – on any Intel-powered Mac.
The Installation Assistant provides a powerful, easy to use “Express
Windows OS Installation Mode” for Windows XP and Windows Vista that
completely automates the virtual machine setup and Windows
installation processes. Users select which Windows version they plan
to use, enter their name, company information and Windows activation
key, and then click “finish” to begin installing Windows in a
pre-designed virtual machine that has been optimized for their
version of Windows. From that point on, installation is completely
automated and requires no user interaction; users do not need to
enter any additional information, select settings, or answer any
potentially confusing technical questions posed by Windows during
installation.
After Windows installation is complete, the Installation Assistant
automatically installs Parallels Tools, a free set of useful add-ons
that improve networking, video, and sound support, syncs mouse
activity and OS system clocks, and enables cutting, copying and
pasting of data, as well as and file sharing, between Windows and OS
X.
The Installation Assistant also provides easy setup for other
versions of Windows, plus any Linux distribution, FreeBSD, Solaris,
OS/2, eComStation, and MS-DOS. Users can select from two choices:
“Typical OS Installation” mode creates a standard, optimized virtual
machine for the selected guest operating system; and “Custom OS
Installation” which helps users build and configure a custom-designed
virtual machine that meets their exact specifications.
In addition to the Installation Assistant, the new build of Parallels
Desktop for Mac offers Shared Networking, a powerful new networking
mode that lets users seamlessly connect their virtual machines to the
internet via a cable modem, LAN, broadband card, Wi-Fi connection, or
dial-up modem, without any manual network reconfiguration. Because
Shared Networking enables multiple IP addresses to appear as one IP
address on a network, it enables users working with internet
connections like DSL or Cable modems that are only configured for use
with a single IP address to easily connect their virtual machines to
the internet. This same feature also effectively hides virtual
machines from the outside world, making them far less likely to be
the victim of a hacker attack.
“Our easy-to-use, automated installation and networking tools make
running Parallels Desktop for Mac an even more attractive option for
running Windows, especially for non-technical users who simply want
to get Windows up and running and connected to the internet with as
little hassle and headache as possible,” said Benjamin Rudolph,
Marketing Manager, Parallels. “We are delivering on our promise of
delivering powerful technology that is simple to use for anyone, even
the most non-technical users.”
Existing Parallels Desktop for Mac users with auto-update enabled
will receive the Installation Assistant and Shared Networking feature
automatically. Users who do not have auto-update enabled can manually
download them by clicking “Check for Updates” in the “Help” tab of
the application menu bar, or download them in a single package
directly from the Parallels Download Center at
(http://www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/). Upgrading Parallels
Desktop for Mac does 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 for Mac at
(http://www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/). Full versions of the
product can be purchased at (http://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 remains $79.99.
About Parallels
Parallels is a server and workstation virtualization solutions
company committed to building powerful, user-friendly, cost-effective
products that can be used by any Windows, Linux or Mac user to
improve efficiency, lower hardware costs, and reduce operating
expenses. The company’s products all feature hypervisor technology
for strong, stable virtual machines, and an intuitive web-like
interface that facilitates quick setup and usage. Additionally, every
Parallels solution fully supports Intel Virtualization Technology and
AMD Secure Virtual Machine Technology, which are optimized to provide
superior virtual machine performance. The company is rapidly growing
and employs a global team of experienced technical and business
professionals. For more information, please visit
(http://www.parallels.com).