Mac Pro/Core 2 Duo Users and Boxed/Retail Parallels Desktop

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Parallels Desktop
If you bought the retail copy of Parallels Desktop, and have a Mac Pro or a Core 2 Duo-based Mac (iMac, new MacBook Pros), it is highly recommended that you upgrade to Build #1970 of Parallels Desktop. This thread by Andrew at the Parallels support forum explains why:

There are a lot of complains from Mac Pro and newest Core 2 Duo Mac users about kernel panics or “grayed screen with different languages” on virtual machine startup.

The problem in using old Parallels Desktop Build 1848 (or 1848.2) which was released prior to Apple announce of Mac Pro and Core 2 Duo Macs and it is not compatible with these Macs.

Unfortunately this build is still available in retail stores (even in Apple stores) and staff is not aware of this problem.

If you have any problems with old retail version of Parallels Desktop – please upgrade it on build 1970! It can be freely download from our web site – http://www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/ . Your permanent registration key will work with this version.

Parallels Desktop – Installation Assistant and Shared Networking

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Parallels Desktop
A new build of Parallels Desktop available, Build #1970, is available with the new features that came about in Build 1966 are now apart of the official Parallels Desktop release.

It can be downloaded here

Forum Posting:

Today we’re releasing a new build of Desktop for Mac that has two great new features – the Installation Assistant, and Shared Networking. More information on both features is below:

THE PARALLELS INSTALLATION ASSISTANT
The Installation Assistant makes it easier to install Windows on a Mac than on a PC!

Here’s how it works:

1. Click the “Install OS” button on the main configuration screen and select “Express Windows Installation”.
2. Select which version of Windows – XP or Vista – you’d like to install.
3. Enter your personal information and Windows Product Key and click “Finish”.

That’s it! The Installation Assistant will complete the entire installation process for you – you won’t have to select any configurations, answer and questions, or make decisions about partitions or options. Just sit back, relax, and wait for the Assistant to finish.

The Installation Assistant also automatically installs Parallels Tools, a useful set of add-ons that enable file sharing, cutting/pasting/copyings between OSes, syncs your mouse and system clock, and improves networking, video and sound performance.

SHARED NETWORKING
The new “Shared Networking” mode helps you get your virtual machine online, regardless of what type of internet connection you’re using. It works by hiding your virtual machine IP addresses behind your Mac’s IP, meaning that even connections like DSL or Cable modems that only allow 1 IP to register will work with virtual machines.

In short, it means that if your Mac is connected to the internet, so is your virtual machine. No manual configuration required.

HOW TO GET THE NEW BUILD
If you’re a customer, your copy of Parallels Desktop for Mac will auto-update. If you have auto-update disabled, or if you’re new to Parallels and want to try our free 15-day trial, you can download it here.

NOTES
If you’re already a user, remember to manually change your networking option to Shared Networking, and be sure to reinstall Parallels Tools!

Full Press Release
Parallels Blog

Podcast/Interview: Parallels Leads Virtualization on the Mac

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Parallels Desktop
Virtual Strategy Magazine conducted a podcast interview with Benjamin Rudolph, Marketing Manager for Parallels (Parallels Desktop) about virtualization on the Mac and how it’s help sell Intel-based Mac, and why it helps Macs at the enterprise level. There’s also a bit about Virtual PC being dropped by Microsoft.

You can listen to it here (virtual-strategy.com).

Boot Camp 1.1.2 beta Released

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There’s a new update to Boot Camp.

Updates/Changes:

Boot Camp 1.1.2 beta contains several updates and is intended for all new and previous Boot Camp beta users.

* The Apple USB Modem now works correctly
* Trackpad scrolling and right-click gestures work correctly
* Fixed idle sleep bugs
* Reduced dialogs during Windows driver installation
* Improved international support
* Improved 802.11 wireless networking support

If you previously installed Boot Camp beta, you can easily update to Boot Camp 1.1.2 beta. You don’t need to partition your hard drive again (unless you want to change its size) or reinstall your Macintosh and Windows software or documents, but it’s very important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new Macintosh Drivers for Windows CD and install the updated software it contains on Windows XP. Complete instructions are provided in the Installation and Setup Guide included with the Boot Camp 1.1.2 beta software.