Parallels 4, first impressions

At the moment, the latest available version of the "Parallel" is a Parallels 4 RC2. According to the status before the release of very long, so that some conclusions can be drawn now. In the meantime, I grudgingly made a full backup of the system and tried to drive the new version of "Parallels" as a substitute for work before the "troika". Carry a third version of the program had not voluntarily: coexist on the same machine, they flatly refused.

upgrade It passed without any problems. Parallels demolished his own previous version, picked up settings and offered to convert a virtual machine to the new format. restructuring process took considerable time, during which the "quartet" praising itself in the tradition of Windows.

List of changes compared with Parallels 3 is quite impressive. For myself, I took the opportunity to note the launch OS X Server, improved performance with graphics (it should be like a check), Quicklook support, opportunity Display system tray elements menubar and many other small improvements in Coherence, somnitelnyo utility type Modality, control over when help iPhone. Also traditional Kaspersky Internet Security is now served by Parallels Internet Security sauce.

Interface the new version is perhaps one of the most contentious issues. Immediately evident that worked on it. Some literate things were obviously borrowed from VMWare, even if Fusion 2 has made a significant step forward in this direction, Parallels is lagging behind, is clearly in the role of catch-up. A lot of flaws and defects, and of being a straightforward Windows application interfaces (guys, I know that a good designer for Mac hard to find, but there is a clear bias IMHO), overreliance settings (so far without the classic type of animation settings!) obviously does not make the program it's better. Graphics, as I mentioned during the beta versions and frankly weak. level of performance - a purely "scoop". Again, a strong impression that the designer previously worked all his life in Windows jailed for poppy showed Parallels and asked to make nice. And if before I had even a hope that something will change, but now, apparently, have to admire such "samopalom" at least until the exit Parallels 5. Incidentally, the same reference and concerns, decorated in the style of "hello RSDN» ...

Stability work too early to assess. So far, I can say that the missing part of the brand of "parallel" downs, though perhaps they occur in the future. However, for testing Parallels time a couple of times fell still. It is necessary to develop the image :)

By the way, the release of Fusion 2 owners get the first version for free. if Parallels follow their example? Not sure.

So far, the experience is quite mixed. On the one hand the new features and improvements, on the other - a horrible graphics, help-mishmash and not too convenient interface. If the upgrade will be paid, personally for myself I sense it does not see as naravlenie changes strongly reminds me of the transition from XP to Vista, when you realize that before it was all good.

P.S.: until the post was in line for publication, it took Parallels 4 release.