VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 3 released

VMware has released VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 3, updating the software that enables users to run any PC application on an Intel-based Mac alongside Mac OS X without rebooting. VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 3 offers greatly improved performance via disabled debugging, support for Apple's Boot Camp software, and a 'Windows Easy Install' feature that simplifies the installation of Microsoft Windows. VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 3 is available as a free download for users interested in testing the software, and supports Apple's forthcoming Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard (system requirements were unavailable).

Virtual machine packages are encapsulated in a single, easy-to-manage package to move virtual machines to other hard dives or Macs by simply copying a file. The entire virtual machine creation process is streamlined, and the Virtual Machine Library eases the process of managing multiple virtual machines.

The latest revision of VMware Fusion for Mac also features hosts-only networking to create a network that is completely contained within a Mac, providing a network connection between the Mac and the virtual machine. Improved suspend/shutdown state snaps a screenshot of the last known state of the virtual machine, providing a play button to easily resume that machine.

An improved hardware editor enables users to remove virtual hardware from the hardware editor when virtual machines are powered off, and improved international support ensures European and Japanese Apple keyboards work properly in virtual machines.

VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 3 includes several bug fixes related to improved networking performance, as well as virtual networking and system logs. Networking in earlier beta versions in some cases was slow with single-processor virtual machines, and VMware Fusion Beta 2 wireless networking added many entries to the system log. The update also fixes numerous bugs to greatly improve stability and performance, according to VMware.

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