Connectix Virtual PC 4

Apple may leave all its PC rivals standing when it comes to producing gorgeously designed computers such as the iMac or the G4 Cube. But the fact remains that there are hundreds of peripherals and programs that are only available for Windows PCs.

So from time to time, it's handy to have a PC emulator such as Virtual PC that will allow you to run Windows software and many USB peripherals on your Mac. This latest version of Virtual PC doesn't look much different from any of its predecessors, but under-the-bonnet improvements make it work more efficiently.

Connectix has improved the program's support for AltiVec, also known as the 'velocity engine'. This is a feature of the G4 processor used in many Mac models that is designed to improve graphics and video performance.

Virtual PC certainly seems a little snappier in this version, with menus and dialog boxes snapping promptly into place, and the Quick Save feature now allows you to load up Windows in about five seconds flat - let's see a real PC do that.

Remember, though, that the less-powerful G3 processor used in all current iMac models doesn't include the velocity engine, so only G4-based systems will benefit from this feature. Even so, Virtual PC should run quite efficiently on any G3 system running at 300Mhz or more, as long as you've got at least 128Mb of memory.

Memory and disk handling are two other important areas of improvement in this version. Virtual PC now allows you to allocate memory to your emulated PC system from within its PC Settings dialog box. You can even alter the amount of memory used while the program is running, so there's no need to restart Windows to use new memory.

The improved disk handling is also pretty clever. Virtual PC creates a file on your Mac's hard disk that acts as your emulated PC's 'C:' drive.

If you set the size of this disk file to 10Gb but only install about 2Gb worth of software then the file will shrink to 2Gb, returning unused space to your Mac. If you then install additional PC software the disk file will expand to provide enough space.

But the niftiest feature in this upgrade is the ability to run multiple 'virtual PCs' using just one copy of the program. Our review copy of Virtual PC had Windows 98 pre-installed on it, but if you were curious about Windows Me or one of the other versions of Windows, you could install it on a second virtual PC.

Each virtual PC can have its own settings for options such as networking and USB support, and you can switch from one virtual PC set up to another with a quick click of the mouse.

You'll need a fair amount of memory to run multiple PCs efficiently, of course, but the mere fact that this is even possible represents quite an impressive feat of software engineering.

This version also includes a redesigned toolbar and support for three-button and scrolling-wheel mice, but the program's improved performance, memory handling and multiple-PC features are the main headline-grabbers.

Virtual PC can't match the performance of a proper PC system, especially when it comes to playing 3D games. But it's fast enough to work with lots of 2D games and business applications, and can be recommended to Mac users who need to dip their toe into the PC world every now and then.

FEATURES:

• Software emulates Pentium processor with MMX support
• SoundBlaster compatibility for games software
• Shares Mac IP address for internet connection
• Can use USB peripherals connected to Mac
• Performance enhancements for G4 Mac systems
• Drag and drop files between Mac and Windows desktops
• Can run multiple 'instances' of Windows simultaneously

CONTACT Connectix: 0031 20 581 4385
www.connectix.com

See also:

Connectix DoubleTalk 1.1

Handy software for getting Macs and PCs to talk to each other.  14 Mar 2002

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