Parallels has announced an update to its Desktop for Mac software, which allows users running Intel powered Apple Macs run Windows, Linux, or any other operating system at the same time as Mac OS X, sans the need to re-boot.

The new and improved Parallels Desktop is anchored by Coherence, a new feature that runs Windows applications on Mac like they are native applications.

By switching to Coherence mode, the Windows desktop disappears, leaving Windows applications such as Outlook and Internet Explorer, running directly on the Mac desktop, and from the Mac application dock.

The new Parallels Desktop also includes a migration tool called Transporter that gives users the ability to move their entire existing PCs - including all settings, applications, files, and profiles - directly to a Parallels virtual machine running on their new Macs, without having to re-install Windows.

Particularly important for users switching from Windows to OS X, this tool lets users keep their familiar Windows PC, while learning how to leverage the power of their new Macs.

Transporter also converts instantly - VMware Workstation and Microsoft Virtual PC images to Parallels-ready images. Which means among other things that Virtual PC users working on PowerPC Macs can upgrade to Intel-Macs running Parallels without losing any information/applications.

Other significant features of the newbie Parallels Desktop are: Plug and Play USB 2.0 support for accessing popular USB devices like external hard drives, printers, and scanners; Full-feature virtual CD/DVD drive for burning CDs and DVDs directly in virtual machines; support for Boot Camp partitions; True Drag and Drop for easy file shareability between Windows and OS X; as also compatibility with Windows Vista.

Existing Desktop for Mac users having auto-update enabled will receive the new version automatically and free of charge. Those users who do not have auto-update enabled can manually download the new version by clicking 'Check for Updates' in the 'Help' tab of the application menu bar. Alternatively they can download the single package directly from www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/ (Parallels Download Center).

Meanwhile, new users can download a free 15-day trial version of Parallels Desktop for Mac at www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/.

Full versions of the product can be purchased at www.parallels.com/en/buyonline/ or through Apple Stores.

The new version carries the same suggested retail price as the old; $79.99 (Rs 3,600 approx).