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Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac
Price: $79.99 USD
Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac makes it easy to run Windows, Linux, and more side-by-side with Mac OS X without rebooting. With Parallels¿ award winning virtualization technology, you can run Mac OS X and critical Windows applications such as Outlook, Access, QuickBooks, Internet Explorer and more, all at the same time. This new release of Parallels Desktop for Mac comes packed with 50+ new features and enhancements including the ability to drag-and-drop files between desktops, run Windows programs like native Mac applications and migrate your existing PC to your Mac. And with the Installation Wizard to help you get started, you¿ll be up and running in just three clicks of the mouse!
With more than 1 million users worldwide, the award-winning Parallels Desktop for Mac is easier than ever to use with its brand new Mac user interface and lightning-fast performance. This new version is packed with dozens of new features that make running Windows programs on a Mac completely seamless.

Coherence 4.0 makes Windows programs run and act like Mac applications. Click to enlarge.

Run Mac OS X and Windows side-by-side. Click to enlarge.

Comprehensive internet security and privacy tools. Click to enlarge.

Performance and Innovation Make Parallels #1. Now Includes More than 50 Powerful New Features! Click to enlarge.

Product Update
This new update to Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac delivers brand new features plus performance enhancements including accelerated Windows 3D graphics, faster virtual machine performance, expanded USB device compatibility, improved Boot Camp support, Windows Beta 7 support and guest/host compatibility for Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

New Features in Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac

  • DirectX 9.0 with Shaders Model 2 Support: Get smoother visuals for your 3D games and graphics programs.
  • Seamlessly Start: Instantly launch Windows in Coherence mode on your Mac desktop for faster access.
  • Apple Remote Disk Support: Access shared CD/DVD drives on another Mac from Windows, especially if you're running Windows on your MacBook Air.
  • Windows 7 Beta Support: Preview the next version of Windows as a guest OS.
  • Windows in Mac Dock: Open Windows files even faster by dragging them to Mac apps in Mac Dock.
  • Mac OS X Snow Leopard Support: Test drive Snow Leopard as a guest and a host OS
  • Plus additional performance and general enhancements, such as:

    • Improved USB device connectivity
    • Enhanced Coherence OS integration
    • Accelerated Windows 3D Graphics
    • Improved Boot Camp support
    • Better overall virtual machine performance

Run Windows on Your Mac the Easy Way. Right Alongside Mac OS X.
Parallels Desktop for Mac makes it possible to run Windows XP or Vista, Linux, and more side-by-side with Mac OS X without rebooting. With Parallels' award-winning virtualization technology, you can run Mac OS X and your favorite Windows applications at the same time. You can even drag-and-drop files between desktops! Launch Windows applications like Mac applications--right from your Mac's dock.

Parallels Desktop for Mac 4.0 is the biggest upgrade ever with over 50 new features. It also comes with a complete suite of essential tools you need to run Windows on a Mac. Parallels Desktop now ships with $175 in bonus software including Kaspersky Internet Security, Acronis Disk Director and Acronis True Image.

Lightning-fast performance
Parallels Desktop takes advantage of Intel Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors and Intel VT-x hardware accelerated virtualization, for near-native speed and rock-solid performance. With support for up to 8 GB RAM, 2TB virtual hard disks and up to 4 CPUs, Parallels Desktop for Mac delivers maximum performance.

Unmatched Compatibility
Enjoy all the benefits of having a Mac and keep running the Windows programs you can't live without. Parallels Desktop for Mac runs thousands of Windows applications and is compatible with your favorite USB devices including mobile phones, printers, scanners and GPS devices. With Parallels Desktop you can run any version of Windows, including Vista and XP, as well as Linux, FreeBSD, even MS-DOS, at the same time as OS X! Parallels also supports running Mac OS X Leopard Server in a virtual machine.

Remotely manage your Parallels virtual machine with our Free iPhone App. Click to enlarge.

Comprehensive Protection and Privacy
Parallels Internet Security by Kaspersky protects your Windows programs from virus and spyware threats and even includes a firewall and anti-spam tools. Parallels Desktop also includes SmartGuard instant "snapshots" which make backup and recovery easier than ever.

Additional Features

  • Advanced virtualization engine with lightning-fast performance
  • Use Windows on your Mac without rebooting
  • Install Windows XP and Vista in 3 easy steps
  • Coherence 4.0 makes Windows programs run and act like Mac applications
  • Run thousands of Windows applications at near native speed
  • Support for OpenGL and DirectX 9.0 3D graphics software including games
  • Drag and drop files between Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X.
  • Parallels Energy Saver maximizes notebook battery life
  • Built-in Windows virus and spyware protection
  • Migrate your existing PC to your Mac. Even import Boot Camp partitions and VMware Fusion virtual machines.
  • Use iPhone to manage virtual machines
  • Speech recognition support. Use your voice to control major Parallels commands.
  • Unmatched Ease of Use

Includes $175 in Essential Windows Software

  • Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 protects against virus and spyware threats, plus firewall and antispam. $79.99 value

  • Acronis TrueImage Home backup and recovery software for Windows. $49.99 value (display image7.jpg)

  • Acronis Disk Director Suite disk partitioning software for Windows. $49.95 value (display image8.jpg)

With more than 1 million users worldwide, the award-winning Parallels Desktop for Mac is the #1 Mac System Utility.*

90 Day Money Back Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with Parallels Desktop for Mac for any reason, you may return the software directly to Nova Development within 90 days of purchase for your money back.

*No. 1 claim based on NPD Techworld Reports for the period 8/1/06 - 8/31/08. Reviews and awards cited may be for previous versions of Parallels Desktop for Mac. Windows operating system sold separately.

Publisher: Nova Development US
VMware Fusion 2
Price: $79.99 USD
Who says you can't have it all? Get the best of both worlds and seamlessly run your favorite Windows applications on the Mac with VMware Fusion. Instantly launch Windows applications from any Mac file, the Dock, and more. Run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS X without rebooting, and quickly switch between Windows and Mac applications with Exposé. Use Windows-only USB devices on your Mac including GPS receivers, cell phones, PDAs, and iSight® cameras. Run 3D games, design software and graphics-intensive apps with support for DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 2 3D. You can even bring your entire PC along, virtually, using VMware Converter. Windows really is better on the Mac.
Who says you can't have it all? Get the best of both worlds and seamlessly run your favorite Windows applications on the Mac with VMware Fusion. Instantly launch Windows applications from any Mac file, the Dock, and more. Run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS X without rebooting, and quickly switch between Windows and Mac applications with Exposé. Use Windows-only USB devices on your Mac including GPS receivers, cell phones, PDAs, and iSight cameras. Run 3D games, design software and graphics-intensive apps with support for DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 2 3D. You can even bring your entire PC along, virtually, using VMware Converter. Windows really is better on the Mac.

Who says you can't have it all? Get the best of both worlds and seamlessly run your favorite Windows applications on the Mac with VMware Fusion. Click to enlarge.

Mac and Windows unite with VMware Fusion's powerful "Unity" view. Click to enlarge.

Share data back and forth between your Windows and Mac with ease. Click to enlarge.

Run 3D games, design software and other graphic-intensive applications. Click to enlarge.

VMware Fusion 2 doubles the number of virtual CPUs you can attach to a virtual machine, with experimental support for 4-way vSMP virtual machines. Click to enlarge.

Get the best of both worlds.

Moving to the Mac is easy.
Getting started is a breeze. Import your existing Windows PC with VMware Converter, or easily install a new Windows OS in a few simple steps with Windows Easy Install.

Graduate from Boot Camp.
VMware Fusion is the perfect complement to Apple's Boot Camp. No more choosing between Mac or Windows on boot; run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS X from your existing partition. And when you're ready, import your Boot Camp partition to reclaim extra space and enjoy great features such as Snapshots, AutoProtect, and Suspend and Resume.

3D for you and me.
Run 3D games, design software and other graphics-intensive apps with support for DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 2 3D hardware-accelerated graphics.

Displays for days.
Use Windows applications across as many displays as you please--up to eight screens.

Mac to the core.
Built from the ground up for the Mac, VMware Fusion works the way you expect with customizable tool bars, Quick Look integration, searchable Apple help and more.

Airbags for your Mac.
Take snapshots of your Windows installation, and always have the option to roll back to a safe state in case of trouble. And with AutoProtect, automated snapshots let you easily go back in time to before problems occurred.

USB without limits.
VMware Fusion lets you use Windows-only USB devices on your Mac--from GPS receivers, to cell phones, PDAs and even Apple iSight cameras.

Keep the bugs away.
To keep Windows XP and Windows Vista on your Mac as safe as possible, VMware Fusion includes a complimentary 12-month subscription to McAfee VirusScan Plus.

Maximize your Mac.
Take your Mac to the max by running virtual machines with up to four virtual CPUs, 8GB of RAM and with 64-bit operating systems.

Features:

  • Seamlessly integrate Windows applications with the Mac
  • Instantly launch Windows applications from any Mac file, the Dock and more
  • Run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS X without rebooting
  • Minimize Windows applications to the Dock
  • Use Exposé to switch between Windows and Mac applications
  • Import an existing PC with VMware Converter
  • Install new Windows OS with Windows Easy Install
  • Run Windows applications across multiple screens
  • Use Windows-only USB devices on your Mac, including GPS receivers, cell phones, PDAs, and iSight cameras
  • Run 3D games, design software and other graphics-intensive apps with support for DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 2 3D hardware-accelerated graphics
  • Winner of more than a dozen industry awards
Publisher: Smith Micro Software Inc.
Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos
Price: $15.95 USD
In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, bestselling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space and, most tantalizing of all, the possibility that parallel universes may lay alongside our own.

Kaku skillfully guides us through the latest innovations in string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, which posits that our universe may be just one in an endless multiverse, a singular bubble floating in a sea of infinite bubble universes. If M-theory is proven correct, we may perhaps finally find answer to the question, “What happened before the big bang?” This is an exciting and unforgettable introduction into the new cutting-edge theories of physics and cosmology from one of the pre-eminent voices in the field.
Author: Michio Kaku
Publisher: Anchor
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac [OLD VERSION]
Price: $79.99 USD
The first solution that gives Apple users the ability to run Windows, Linux or any other operating system and their critical applications at the same time as Mac OS X--without rebooting--on any Intel-powered iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook or MacBook Pro.

The killer app for Mac is now even better than ever!
Parallels Desktop for Mac enables you to run Windows, Linux, and more side-by-side with Mac OS X on any Intel-powered Mac, without rebooting. With Parallels' award-winning virtualization technology, you can run Mac OS X and your favorite Windows applications at the same time. You can even drag-and-drop files between desktops!

The latest release of Parallels Desktop for Mac comes packed with 50+ new features and enhancements, including SmartSelect, Snapshots, and 3D graphics. Learn more about the new capabilities in the latest release of our award-winning product.
Top 5 reasons to run Parallels:
Run Windows-only applications on your Mac.
Many of today's most popular applications are windows-only. Parallels enables you to run these applications on your Mac. Play computer games? Most PC games only run on Windows. With Parallels, you no longer have to sacrifice your favorite games!
Run Selected 3D Games and Applications.
OpenGL and DirectX support lets you explore a whole new world of 3D games and applications right on your Mac.
Use any phone, MP3 player, and camera with your Mac.
With Parallels, you can use your favorite devices, even if they're Windows-only. Connect your Blackberry, phone, camera, and MP3 player to your Mac!
Run OS X, Windows, and Linux at the same time.
With Parallels, you can run all of your favorite applications at the same time, regardless of the OS! No more rebooting to switch between OSes to use the applications you need.
No-worry migrations!
Parallels Transporter takes the hassle out of migration. No more losing valuable data, customizing your computer all over again, or reinstalling software. In just a few simple steps, you can move your entire existing Windows system to your new Mac.

With the latest version of Parallels, you can:

  • Use Windows and Mac OS X at the same time... without rebooting
  • Run Windows programs like native Mac applications with Parallels Coherence
  • New! Open Windows files with Mac programs and Mac files in Windows programs with Parallels SmartSelect
  • Share files and folders between Windows and Mac OS X
  • New! Browse through Windows folders and access files without launching Windows with Parallels Explorer
  • New! Run today's most popular PC games on a Mac with support for 3D graphics
  • Achieve maximum performance by leveraging Intel Virtualization Technology
  • New! Protect your Windows with Parallels Snapshots
  • Migrate your entire existing PC to your Mac with Parallels Transporter

Coherence
With Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac, you can run Windows applications like they were native to your Mac! Experience the new Coherence mode to enjoy the benefits of both operating systems, without managing two desktops. In Parallels Desktop 3.0, Coherence has been enhanced to make running both operating systems simultaneously even easier and more user-friendly.

Enjoy the benefits of both operating systems, without managing two desktops.

Using Parallels Desktop 3.0's Coherence, you can:

  • Navigate Windows using the Windows taskbar directly on your Mac desktop
  • Hide the Windows taskbar until you need it
  • Launch your favorite Windows applications and access the Windows Start menu straight from your Mac Dock
  • Use your Windows applications right on your Mac desktop, without resizing Windows itself
  • Manage your open documents and files on the Windows taskbar while enjoying your favorite Mac Dock applications at the same time
  • View Windows applications in Dock at your convenience! Choose your level of integration from Never, Always, and Only in Coherence.
  • Maintain seamless access to all of your Windows and Mac documents, files, applications, hardware, and devices, making your user environment truly hassle-free
  • Drag-and-drop files and folders instantly between Windows and Mac OS X
  • Choose the best application for your needs, without flipping from one operating system to another
  • Prefer Coherence over managing two desktops? Boot your virtual system to Coherence at startup, and truly avoid switching between operating systems.
  • Mount your Windows operating system directly on your Mac desktop and enjoy instant access to all of your files, regardless of their OS Enjoy two operating systems while managing only one desktop. Coherence eliminates your having to switch between operating systems to enjoy your favorite Windows and Mac applications. You can almost forget that you're running two OSes!


Transporter
Transporter is a powerful tool that enables you to migrate your entire PC system to a Parallels virtual machine. Migrate your entire PC system, including operating system, applications, files, and personal settings--without losing data or reinstalling any software.

NEW! Now you can convert VMware Workstation/Server and Virtual PC virtual hard disks to a Parallels virtual machine AND migrate directly to your Mac using FireWire!


Transporter enables you to migrate your entire PC system to a Parallels virtual machine. View the demo.

Supported OSes
Transporter--the application that creates Parallels virtual machines:

* Windows 2000
* Windows XP
* Windows 2003
* Windows Vista
* Mac OS X
* Linux

Transporter Agent--the provider which enables online migration of Windows PC:

* Windows 2000
* Windows XP
* Windows 2003


Installation Assistant built-in tool
Thanks to Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac's Installation Assistant, installing Windows on your Mac is now even easier than installing it on a PC! This new built-in tool is already included in Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac.

How does it work?
With a powerful, easy to use "Express Windows OS Installation Mode" for Windows Vista and Windows XP, the Installation Assistant completely automates the virtual machine setup and installation of Windows--with almost no user interaction.

Start taking advantage of running Windows on your Mac in just three easy steps:

  • Select which Windows operating system you want to install,
  • Enter your name, company and Windows activation key,
  • Click finish--and let the Installation Assistant do the rest!
You do not need to enter any additional information, select settings, or answer any potentially confusing technical questions. This built-in tool automatically completes the full installation in a pre-designed virtual machine.

After Windows is installed, the Installation Assistant automatically installs Parallels Tools, a free set of useful add-ons that improve networking, video, and sound support, syncs mouse activity and OS system clocks, and enables you to cut, copy, and paste of data, as well as file sharing, between Windows and OS X.

Need to run other operation systems on your Mac?
The Installation Assistant provides improved and user-friendly setup for other versions of Windows, plus any Linux distribution, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, and MS-DOS.

NOTE! If you are already using Parallels Desktop for Mac, updating Parallels Desktop 3.0 does not require a reinstall of any guest operating systems or applications. After updating, you should only reinstall Parallels Tools.

SmartSelect enables Mac users to open any Windows or Mac file with whichever software they choose.

View the SmartSelect demo!

SmartSelect
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac's new SmartSelect enables Mac users to open any Windows or Mac file with whichever software they choose--regardless of its original OS! Now you can open Windows files with any Mac software and Mac files with any Windows software.

With support in both Windows and Mac OS X and deep document, email, and web-browser integration between the two operating systems, Parallels Desktop 3.0's SmartSelect frees you to choose the best software for the job, without interrupting your workflow.

Previously, Parallels Desktop users had to copy a file into either Windows or Mac OS X to open the file with the application they wanted. Now, in Parallels Desktop 3.0, you can open any file from either OS and view it with the software of your choice.

With SmartSelect, you can:

  • View and edit a file with any compatible PC or Mac software available on your Intel Mac
  • Set file-associations to open a file-type with specific Mac or PC software
  • Set SmartSelect software settings "on the fly" or as the default

Imagine being able to double-click on a text document in Mac Finder and immediately launch Microsoft Word in Windows. Or synchronizing your digital life by playing all the MP3s in your music library with Mac iTunes--even if the files are located in Windows.

Parallels Desktop 3.0's SmartSelect goes beyond document integration. It also supports email and web browsing. Immediately view a PPT file a colleague sent you in Apple Mail using Windows PowerPoint. Click on any hyperlink in an email or document and have your default web-browser--such as Apple's Safari or Microsoft's Internet Explorer--launch. With SmartSelect, the possibilities are endless.


 

 

Snapshots enables you to erase mistakes and recover your virtual machine from system crashes and viruses with the click of a button.

View the Snapshot demo.

Snapshots
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac's new Snapshots enables you to erase mistakes and recover your virtual machine from system crashes and viruses with the click of a button. Enjoy peace of mind with Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots.

A complete record of your virtual machine at the state it was created--OS, data, software, and settings--Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots enables you to quickly and easily create and save multiple snapshots, even while your virtual machine is running.

In the event a virus or a Windows system crash, you can conveniently rollback your virtual machine to any previously saved state with all of your data and software intact. (As opposed to losing all of your data and reinstalling Windows and all your PC software.) Additionally, periodically creating a set of backups facilitates faster recovery time to get back on your feet, if disaster strikes.

With Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshot Manager, you can manage and view all of your snapshots in a tree pane that includes screen shots for each snapshot. Snapshot Manager enables you to revert back to previous snapshots, delete snapshots, and edit description information for each snapshot.

Snapshots are excellent for:

  • Bulletproofing your Windows virtual machine from viruses and spyware
  • Creating a regularly scheduled backup to revert your virtual machine to any previous stable state
  • Rolling back your virtual machine after a software update, system crash, or software testing
In an unpredictable world, Parallels Desktop 3.0's Snapshots safeguards your data and creates a more reliable virtual machine so you can focus on more important things.

Access your Windows files and folders directly from your Mac desktop without even launching Windows using Parallels Explorer.

View the Explorer demo.

Parallels Explorer
Just need that one document? Where did that pdf go? Thanks to Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac's new Parallels Explorer, now you can access your Windows files and folders directly from your Mac desktop, without even launching Windows. With a deeper integration between Mac OS X and Windows, Parallels Desktop 3.0 makes it even easier to run Windows on your Mac.

Using Parallels Desktop 3.0's Explorer, you can:

  • Access your Windows files and documents directly from your Mac Desktop
  • Browse your Windows system directly on your Mac Dock
  • Maintain access to your important Windows documents, even if the virtual machine crashes
  • Drag-and-drop files and folders between Windows and OS X
  • Save time with direct access to all of your critical files, without having to wait for your virtual machine to start and Windows to boot
  • Create and delete files in your Windows system "on the fly"
  • Troubleshoot your Windows system for tricky file errors and deleted folders
  • ...all without even launching Windows.

Enjoy two operating systems while managing only one desktop. Parallels Explorer eliminates your having to wait for your virtual machine to start and Windows to boot just to access your key Windows files, folders, and documents. Running Windows and Mac has never been easier!

3D Graphics
NEW! Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac now supports DirectX 9 and OpenGL 1.5! No need to dedicate a separate Windows machine to running favorite 3D games and key graphics applications. Parallels Desktop 3.0 now brings the world of Windows 3D straight to your Mac like never before!

With Parallels Desktop 3.0, you can:

  • Play Windows-only 3D games, such as Half-Life, World of Warcraft, and Unreal Tournament
  • Render in complex 3D CAD programs such as AutoCAD 2008
  • Work with CPU-intensive video and sound editing software such as Sony Vegas
  • Run mission-critical 3D applications on your Mac
  • Enjoy your favorite Windows-only games and graphics applications directly in your Windows virtual machine at full native speed--without rebooting

By including deep support for both DirectX and OpenGL, Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac brings a world of Windows-only key productivity and entertainment software to Mac users for the first time. Now you can truly experience the best of both worlds on one machine!

Publisher: Nova Development US
Parallel Lives: Five Victorian Marriages
Price: $14.95 USD
In her study of the married couple as the smallest political unit, Phyllis Rose uses as examples the marriages of five Victorian writers who wrote about their own lives with unusual candor.
Author: Phyllis Rose
Publisher: Vintage
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition FULL VERSION with SP2
Price: $199.00 USD
Windows XP Home makes it easy to use your Computer for those Personal projects you enjoy. Service Packs round up the bug fixes and product updates you need for operating more smoothly. This Service Pack bridges the gaps between the original software and user requests more fully, responding to customer wishes -- and making XP even better.
Share your home computing resources with simple-to-use Networking tools Service Pack features - Security Center offers a central control system for your Windows XP security -- work with the firewalls, auto updates and antivirus tools Great news for people sick of pop-up ads - The built-in pop-up blocker controls them, with a new submenu and status bar icons New Add-Ons manager gives you instant access to all the Browser Helper Objects and extensions, enabling and disabling them easily Firewall now has its own control panel Enhancements to the Windows Update service make installing new updates easy Wireless Networking - Multiple wireless connections to choose from
With Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2, you get safer browsing and communication, powerful security tools, and improved experiences. Packed with multimedia features, Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 aims to unlock the full potential of your personal computer. It also looks great, with rounded window corners, larger and more detailed icons, and a clean-look desktop.

The Security Center lets you check the status of your essential security settings.

The best thing about Windows XP is that, because it belongs to the Windows NT/2000 product family, it's designed from the ground up for reliability, security, and networking. XP Home users will soon see the benefits of this. The dreaded Windows crash-and-reboot cycle really is much less common with XP, and, provided the hardware is up to scratch, XP's performance is better, too. The downside is that using a different code base can make compatibility with old applications less assured. Business applications normally run fine, but older games, MIDI software, and system utilities may well cause problems.

Windows XP is more customizable than previous versions, including its visual themes that let you change the whole appearance of Windows in an instant. Fast User Switching is a neat feature for computers used by more than one person--it lets another user log on without killing the previous user's session, and when you switch back, running applications and open documents are as you left them. This is impressive, but what really counts is that XP understands how to deal with multiple users. Each user has their own special folders, such as My Documents, which cannot be seen by other users. And for those with more than one computer, the network setup wizard simplifies setting up a network.


Windows XP Home has many strong multimedia features. New Media Player lets you copy music from CD to hard disk, create your own playlist, and write your own music CDs if you have a CD writer. You can also play back DVD-Video (but only if a hardware or software DVD decoder is already installed) and play MP3 audio files and MPEG videos (but sadly not the popular RealMedia formats). Admittedly, Media Player does nothing that you cannot also do with free alternatives, but it is slick and nicely integrated. There is also Windows Movie Maker, a basic tool for capturing and editing videos that's fun to use, although too limited for serious work.


The Information Bar in Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 notifies you when it blocks ActiveX control or active content and then lets you decide what to do.

For Web browsing, XP Home comes with Internet Explorer 6.0 and MSN Explorer. The most significant new feature for Internet users is the built-in firewall. A firewall protects against one of the most disturbing security risks, in which other users unknown to you might connect to your computer while it is online, reading private files or causing other damage. XP's built-in firewall is a simple affair, but it does prevent most types of unauthorized connections.

Service Pack 2 allows users to instruct Internet Explorer how to handle downloads from a specific publisher

The XP user interface is not a radical departure from earlier versions of Windows, but there are a number of small changes that together add up to a significant improvement. For example, you can add and remove shortcuts from the Start menu by right-clicking on the icon and selecting Pin or Unpin from the pop-up menu. Windows online help is integrated into a Help and Support Center that works like an internal Web site, with searchable help, tutorials, and walkthroughs. Laptop or other flat-screen users can set Windows to use ClearType for screen fonts, for a more readable display.

There are, of course, some pitfalls. Windows XP Home is demanding on hardware, and it would be a mistake to install it on less than Microsoft's recommended minimum. Business users note: unlike Windows 98 or Me, XP Home Edition cannot join a Windows server domain, so the networking is peer-to-peer only--see Windows XP Professional Edition for this functionality. There is also no multiprocessor support, and a mildly annoying anti-piracy measure requires you to obtain a code from Microsoft for full installation and any future system changes. But don't let that put you off: this is Microsoft's best Windows yet.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Features

Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker Makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted ads and content.
Internet Explorer download monitoring Warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious.
Internet Explorer Information Bar Provides better information about events that are happening as you browse the Web, so it’s easier to know what’s going on and address potential security issues.
Windows Security Center Allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.
Windows Firewall update Automatically turned on by default, this improved firewall helps protect Windows XP from viruses, worms, and other security threats that can spread over the Internet.
Improved wireless support Dramatically improves and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks.
Bluetooth technologies Enables you to easily connect to the latest Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices such as keyboards, cell phones, and PDAs.
Windows Media Player 9 Series Makes it easy to enjoy music, video, and broadband content with enhanced security.
Publisher: Microsoft Software
Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos
Price: $15.95 USD
Is our universe dying?
Could there be other universes?
In Parallel Worlds, world-renowned physicist and bestselling author Michio Kakuan author who “has a knack for bringing the most ethereal ideas down to earth” (Wall Street Journal)—takes readers on a fascinating tour of cosmology, M-theory, and its implications for the fate of the universe.

In his first book of physics since Hyperspace, Michio Kaku begins by describing the extraordinary advances that have transformed cosmology over the last century, and particularly over the last decade, forcing scientists around the world to rethink our understanding of the birth of the universe, and its ultimate fate. In Dr. Kaku’s eyes, we are living in a golden age of physics, as new discoveries from the WMAP and COBE satellites and the Hubble space telescope have given us unprecedented pictures of our universe in its infancy.

As astronomers wade through the avalanche of data from the WMAP satellite, a new cosmological picture is emerging. So far, the leading theory about the birth of the universe is the “inflationary universe theory,” a major refinement on the big bang theory. In this theory, our universe may be but one in a multiverse, floating like a bubble in an infinite sea of bubble universes, with new universes being created all the time. A parallel universe may well hover a mere millimeter from our own.

The very idea of parallel universes and the string theory that can explain their existence was once viewed with suspicion by scientists, seen as the province of mystics, charlatans, and cranks. But today, physicists overwhelmingly support string-theory, and its latest iteration, M-theory, as it is this one theory that, if proven correct, would reconcile the four forces of the universe simply and elegantly, and answer the question “What happened before the big bang?”

Already, Kaku explains, the world’s foremost physicists and astronomers are searching for ways to test the theory of the multiverse using highly sophisticated wave detectors, gravity lenses, satellites, and telescopes. The implications of M-theory are fascinating and endless. If parallel worlds do exist, Kaku speculates, in time, perhaps a trillion years or more from now, as appears likely, when our universe grows cold and dark in what scientists describe as a big freeze, advanced civilizations may well find a way to escape our universe in a kind of “inter-dimensional lifeboat.”

An unforgettable journey into black holes and time machines, alternate universes, and multidimensional space, Parallel Worlds gives us a compelling portrait of the revolution sweeping the world of cosmology.
Author: Michio Kaku
Publisher: Anchor
Parallel Journeys
Price: $6.99 USD

She was a young German Jew.

He was an ardent member of the Hitler Youth.

This is the story of their parallel journey through World War II.


Helen Waterford and Alfons Heck were born just a few miles from each other in the German Rhineland. But their lives took radically different courses: Helen's to the Auschwitz extermination camp; Alfons to a high rank in the Hitler Youth.

While Helen was hiding in Amsterdam, Alfons was a fanatic believer in Hitler's "master race." While she was crammed in a cattle car bound for the death camp Auschwitz, he was a teenage commander of frontline troops, ready to fight and die for the glory of Hitler and the Fatherland. This book tells both of their stories, side-by-side, in an overwhelming account of the nightmare that was WWII. The riveting stories of these two remarkable people must stand as a powerful lesson to us all.

Author: Eleanor H. Ayer
Author: Helen Waterford
Author: Alfons Heck
Publisher: Aladdin
VMware Fusion [OLD VERSION]
Price: $79.99 USD
From the proven leader in desktop virtualization comes VMware Fusion--the most seamless way to run Windows applications on your Mac. VMware Fusion combines a clean and intuitive interface that Mac users expect with a virtualization platform trusted by millions of users today. VMware Fusion allows you to launch your Windows applications from the Dock and switch between Windows and Mac applications using Exposé. With the industry's most advanced virtualization technology VMware Fusion is ready for the future and lets you leverage all the hardware available on your Mac to simultaneously run 32 and 64-bit operating systems, use two processors at the same time, run select 3D games and utilize USB 2.0 devices. Access the widest range of USB 2 devices, allocate up to 8GB of memory to virtual machines, run over 60 guest operating systems from DOS to Microsoft Windows Vista, Linux, Solaris, Netware and FreeBSD. Run your Boot Camp partition side-by-side with Mac OS X without any additional setup. Run any of the more than 550 virtual appliances available from VMware Virtualize your existing PC with the free VMware Converter Starter Built Exclusively for the Mac - Built with features such as customizable toolbars, easy-to-manage virtual machine packages, and much more The powerful Unity feature transforms your Windows applications and gives you a seamless Mac experience Requires Any Intel Mac computer with a 1.5GHz or faster Intel processor; 512MB of RAM (1GB or more recommended)
Run multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Solaris, on your Macintosh at the same time as Mac OS X--without rebooting. Designed from the ground up for the Mac, VMware Fusion allows you to run Mac and Windows applications side-by-side--quickly and effortlessly sharing information between the two operating systems' environments.

Run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac.

Run any version of Windows.

Full support for Windows, Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD.

Run Windows applications just like Mac applications
Say goodbye to the Windows desktop and use the VMware Fusion Launch Palette or Spotlight to easily launch your Windows applications. Switch between all your Windows and Mac applications using Expose. Keep your favorite applications in the Dock, bring forward only the application you care about, and use your familiar Mac keyboard shortcuts the whole time.

Turn back time on your PC
Capture and save the exact state of your virtual machine with VMware Fusion's innovative Snapshot feature. If your Windows virtual machine becomes unresponsive, use the Snapshot feature to rollback to a known stable state with the click of a button.

Get the most out of your Mac hardware
Take full advantage of 64-bit and multi-core processors of your Mac for maximum flexibility. You can run 64-bit operating systems such as Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition or leverage Virtual SMP to create and run multi-processor virtual machines.

Our cutting-edge 3D technology even lets you to play select DirectX 8.1 games on your Mac. Plus, get full read/write support for CDs and DVDs and complete USB 2.0 support--even for proprietary video cameras, Bluetooth devices and other Windows-only peripherals.

Run multiple operating systems on your Mac with ease
Easily use UNIX-based operating systems such as Linux and Solaris right alongside Windows and Mac OS X, with the ease and simplicity you've come to expect from your Mac. Only VMware Fusion makes it possible to copy and paste text between Mac and Linux or Solaris, or to drag and drop files from the Mac desktop to Linux or Solaris.

Get up and running with your favorite Windows applications quickly.

Enjoy access to Windows applications through a familiar Mac interface.

Customize your toolbar for integration with Fusion.

Built for the Mac

Run Windows applications like Mac applications
VMware Fusion transforms your Windows applications with VMware Unity feature, giving you the seamless Mac experience you expect. Minimize Windows applications to the Dock, switch between Windows or Mac application with Expose, find and instantly launch any Windows application, and use familiar Mac keyboard shortcuts to copy and paste between Windows and Mac applications.

Designed for the Mac user
Get up and running with your favorite Windows applications quickly. VMware Fusion's user interface was designed exclusively for the Mac so things will work the way you expect them to, including customizable toolbars and configuration sheets.

Run Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS X at the same time
Run Microsoft Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate 32-bit or 64-bit editions or any Windows XP edition side-by-side with Mac OS X.

Use your Boot Camp install side by side with your mac
Run Windows XP side-by-side with Mac OS X from your existing Boot Camp partition, which VMware Fusion automatically detects and when run the first time is updated to use optimized drivers when run as a virtual machine. Access your existing Boot Camp partition with the flexibility of running Windows natively or as a virtual machine. In addition, VMware Fusion has experimental support for Microsoft Vista on Boot Camp partitions.

Install Windows easily
Answer a few simple questions, insert a Windows CD and VMware Fusion does the rest to create a Mac-ready Windows virtual machine without you becoming a Windows expert.

Roll back and recover
Rollback allows you to take a Snapshot of the virtual machine at any point in time. If problems occur later, you can roll your virtual machine back to that known-good state with a single click.

Start where you left off
The suspend feature stores your applications' states so you can quickly resume work without restarting Windows and opening all your applications.

Move your virtual machine by copying a file
Exclusive feature:Your complete virtual machine is stored in a single, easy-to-manage package. Move your virtual machines to another hard drive or Mac simply by copying a file.

Use Shared Folders to share your Mac home folder or other folders to your virtual machines.

The suspend feature stores your applications' states so you can quickly resume work without restarting Windows.

Keep an eye on your laptop's battery level from Windows.

The Most Complete Virtualization Platform

Full support for Windows, Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD on your Mac
Exclusive feature: Run 32-bit or 64-bit editions of Windows, Linux, Solaris, and FreeBSD on your Mac. Copy and paste text and drag and drop files between your virtual machines and the Mac. Use Shared Folders to share your Mac home folder or other folders to your virtual machines. Resize the virtual machine window and the resolution of the virtual machine automatically changes. You can even download pre-configured Linux or Solaris virtual machines from the VMware Virtual Appliance Marketplace to get started.

Future Proof with 32-bit and 64-bit virtual machines
Exclusive feature: Run both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems in VMware Fusion virtual machines. As the world moves to 64-bit applications, you will be ready with 64-bit virtual machines on the latest Intel Core 2 Duo and Xeon Macs.

Multi-core for maximum flexibility
Exclusive feature: Leverage the full power of your Intel Mac by using two-way Virtual SMP to assign multiple cores with your virtual machines for maximum flexibility.

Easily share data between virtual machines and your Mac
Use Shared Folders to share your Mac home folder or other folders to your virtual machines. Copy and paste text and drag and drop files between your virtual machines and the Mac.

Run more virtual machines
Exclusive feature: VMware Fusion can use the full 16 GB of memory available with the Mac Pro or Xserve to run more virtual machines at the same time.

Accelerated 3D graphics let you run DirectX 8.1 3D savvy applications and play select DirectX 8.1 games.

Accelerated 3D graphics
Experimental hardware with accelerated 3D graphics let you run DirectX 8.1 3D savvy applications and play select DirectX 8.1 games in Window XP with Service Pack 2 virtual machines.

USB 2.0 support
VMware Fusion offers complete USB 2.0 support--even for proprietary video cameras, GPS, Bluetooth, and other devices that only work in Windows.

CD and DVD burning
SuperDrive is fully supported in any virtual machine with VMware Fusion.

Seamless, powerful networking
Windows shares your Mac's network connections and provides effortless switching between wired and AirPort/Wi-Fi connections. Add up to ten virtual network interfaces to support private and public networks. Or use host-only networking to keep your virtual machine isolated from the network for maximum safety.

Battery pass-through
Exclusive feature: Keep an eye on your laptop's battery level from Windows, ideal when running Windows full screen.

ACPI support
Your virtual PC shuts down completely when you say shut down and supports hibernation when using Boot Camp partition virtual machines.

Move to the Virtual World

Migrate your existing Windows PC to a virtual machine
Migrate your existing Windows PCs into Mac-ready virtual machines with the free VMware Converter Starter.

Virtual appliances
Choose from over 450 3rd party virtual appliances, pre-configured virtual machines designed to meet specific needs, at the VMware Virtual Appliance Marketplace.

Fully compatible with other VMware products
Existing VMware customers can leverage existing VMware virtual machines created with other VMware products, including VMware Workstation, VMware Server, and VMware Infrastructure 3, which are all fully compatible with VMware Fusion.

Publisher: Smith Micro Software Inc.
Parallels
Price: $11.98 USD
Publisher: Metal Blade
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