Parallels Workstation (Virtualization) software (#4): Version 2.1b5 released: Adds USB support; shared folders

Parallels Workstation 2.1b5 has been introduced, bringing two major enhancements to the virtualization software that allows running of Windows (3.1, 3.11, 95, 98, Me, 2000, NT, XP, 2003), any Linux distribution, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2, eComStation, or MS-DOS in secure virtual machines alongside Mac OS X.

The first major enhancement is USB support. With this release, users can connect USB devices directly to the virtual machine.

The other major enhancement is shared folders. This new functionality allows users to share files between Mac OS X and any Windows XP or Windows 2003 guest virtual machine.

The new release also fixes keyboard mapping problems and mouse pointer lag problems. It also sports better sound support.

More information as well as a download are available from VersionTracker's Paralells Workstation product page.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage

• Parallels Workstation (Virtualization) software (#4): Version 2.1b4 released; No way to migrate Virtual PC disks
• Parallels Workstation (Virtualization) software (#3): 2.1b2 released; Notes from an in-house engineer
• Parallels Virtualization software (#2): Selecting the optical drive; Using function keys; Benchmarks; more
• Parallels Virtualization software debuts: Allows simultaneous running of Windows XP and Mac OS X

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