Parallels 'Switch to Mac'

Hoping to capitalize on growing numbers of Windows users moving to the Mac, Parallels has combined its virtual machine software with Mac OS X tutorials and migration tools. Parallels Desktop Switch to Mac Edition allows users to run their favorite Windows applications while gradually learning how the Mac works.

The package includes a USB cable and Enhanced Parallels Transporter software to provide step-by-step instructions for transferring files from a Windows machine to a Mac. The company says it hopes to address one of the biggest obstacles preventing Windows users from switching -- the fear of losing data and favorite applications. The included Parallels 4.0 virtualization software answers the latter concern by allowing the continued use of Windows software on a Mac.

Two hours of on-demand Flash-based tutorials compare the most common interface controls on a Windows machine to those on a Mac. Interactive features let users try out the various features with feedback from the tutorials.

Parallels Desktop 4.0 Switch to Mac Edition requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or 10.5 and above. The company's website says at this point, support for the upcoming release of Snow Leopard is "experimental." The Migration tools work with Windows XP SP2, and Vista. The software is available beginning today Apple stores, at Apple.com and other retailers for $100.

by MacNN Staff