Parallels has announced a new and updated version of its virtualization software for Mac, Parallels Desktop 4.0. According to the company, the new release includes new features and enhancements to offer users the easiest, fastest, and most powerful way to run Windows on a Mac. Although experimental at this point, Parallels claims that attempts to run Windows 7 inside the virtual machine were successful.

A list of feature highlights from the official Parallels forums reveals that the powerful virtualization software now includes DirectX 9.0 with Shaders Model 2 support, support for Apple remote disk, support for Snow Leopard as a primary operating system, as well as guest (experimental), and, finally, support for Windows 7 inside the virtual machine – also experimental. “Support for Windows 7 inside a virtual machine (experimental) – run Microsoft’s next major version of the Windows operating system side-by-side with Mac OS X,” Parallels says.

Other enhancements include:

- Silent start in Coherence;
- Possibility to drag Windows files to Mac applications in the Dock;
- Possibility to remove a virtual machine from the list with a context menu option;
- Possibility to specify CPU and memory options in the New Virtual Machine assistant;
- Customer Experience Program;
- SSE4 support (better performance for media applications).

Bugfixes and other improvements can be viewed in the full changelog here.

“Parallels is committed to delivering a premium desktop computing solution that directly meets user needs,” Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels, explains. “With Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac, that means giving users an experience that is as easy, fast, and powerful as possible. The Customer Experience Program we’re introducing will help us ensure we continue to make progress on this goal.”

The official Parallels report announcing Parallels Desktop 4.0.3810 also includes a user's impressions on the new version of the software.

“I’ve been using Parallels Desktop for Mac since version 3.0 came out, and there is plenty of improvement with version 4.0,” Jack James, a Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac user, reveals. “It means that I can run two Windows-only applications – Microsoft Office and 3D Studio MAX – without needing a separate PC, and without having to reboot constantly. The last version allowed me to run my Windows applications fine, but with the new version, everything is easier, faster, and more reliable, and it even looks glossier! I use it with both Windows XP (with Boot Camp) and Vista, and both work well. The only thing I was hoping to see was extended DirectX support, and the new update offers this, which should make a significant difference when doing 3D work.”

Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac costs $79.99. Existing users can upgrade their copy of Parallels Desktop for only $49.99. To test a free, fully-functional copy of Parallels 4.0 for 15 days, download the software now, using the link below.

Download Parallels Desktop (Upgrade / Trial / Buy)