Parallels Desktop 4.0 Gets Performance Boost, DirectX 9.0 Support

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

Parallels has released Parallels Desktop 4.0, an update to the company's desktop virtualization solution for Mac OS X. The new version adds more than 50 new features, including support for DirectX 9.0 and significant performance improvements.

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization solution that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside Mac OS X on Intel-based Apple hardware, such as the MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and iMac. The new 4.0 release, which began shipping Tuesday, offers performance up to 50 percent faster than Parallels Desktop 3.0, according to the company. Other new features include:

  • Support for DirectX 9.0, DirectX Pixel Shader 2.0, and OpenGL 2.0;
  • New security and backup features integrated into the software, including Acronis True Image Home (backup and restore), Acronis Disk Director Suite, and Parallels Internet Security (firewall, scanner, antivirus);
  • Adaptive Hypervisor for dynamic allocation of resources;
  • Overall 15 percent to 30 percent improvement in resource consumption owing to an optimized virtualization engine;
  • A redesigned user interface;
  • New Screenview modes;
  • Speech Recognition;
  • A new Security Manager feature; and
  • Support for more than 45 guest operating systems.

Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac is available now for $79.99 for the full version. Upgrades will run $39.99 through the end of the month. Free upgrades are available for those who purchased Parallels Desktop 3.0 Sept. 1 or later. Volume and site licenses are also available. A 15-day evaluation version is also available. Further information, including links to downloads, can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • illustration of an open book with lines and circles around it

    Foundations in Learning Launches Fluency for All Movement

    Ed tech company Foundations in Learning, creator of the WordFlight literacy assessment and intervention for students in grades 3-8, has kicked off a new movement aimed at improving reading literacy.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.