Parallels (build 5160)

I have been using Parallels since early 2007, as it was at that time the only viable way to use Windows and Linux operating system alongside Mac OS X.

Since I purchased Parallels, I have noticed steady progression of features. While original Parallels was great, the last couple of versions have introduced a slew of new features that make life easier with certain routine tasks. Some of the highlights are Coherence mode, file sharing, USB 2.0 performance improvements and DirectX 8.1 support for PC games.

However, with all these new features, new bugs and problems have also been introduced. My Windows XP got consistently slower with every new release, while memory leaks and even Kernel panic (equivalent of blue screen of death on Windows XP) have started occuring.

I am pleased to inform you that Parallels 3.0 build 5160 is a considerable improvement in in terms of performance and stability. I haven't noticed any memory leaks. My Windows XP session feels much snappier and more responsive, while file sharing is now working flawlessly.

Some new features have also been added. An interesting and quite useful feature is the ability to view your Mac OS X drive on Windows XP, which allows even more flexibility for routine file and folder operations.

I have also noticed a very good performance with USB 2.0 devices. Testing a couple of external USB drives didn't made me notice speed difference compared to using those drives in native Mac OS X mode.
New Coherence mode makes Windows applications feel even more "Mac-like" and I found it to be stable in performance.

It is good to see that the makers of Parallels have spent some time on resolving certain issues with this latest update.