Parallels has released an major update to its Parallels Desktop 3.0 Windows-on-Mac application, a year on from the software's original release. The new version promises better integration between Windows and Mac apps.

Windows games... in a Mac window

SmartSelect, for example, is a new tool that lets users open a right-clicked file in either the Windows or Mac version of a suitable application - a .pdf file in Mac OS X's Preview or Adobe Acrobat Reader for Windows, for instance.

Parallels 3.0 allows virtual machine states - memory contents, OS settings, drive status etc - to be saved for instant recall in case of later damage to the VM, and a new Security Manager controls the exchange of data between Mac OS X and other operating systems. Windows hard drives can now be explored through Mac OS X.

Folk using Apple's own Boot Camp Windows-on-Mac tool can now transition to Parallels without having to re-install the guest OS - Parallels can use a Boot Camp-created disk partition as a virtual machine.

Finally, gamers will appreciate enhanced support for Windows' 3D graphics technologies, allowing Windows games to be played in a Mac window at rather higher frame rates than before.

Available now, Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac cost $80 from the company's website and Mac retailers. It's also available as a free-to-try 15-day test version.

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