Parallels – IE7 & Firefox in “coherence” mode
OS X Parallels Desktop users will rejoice knowing that the latest beta build of Parallels includes a slew of new updates including the ability to resize the virtual machine window (with resolution adjusting automatically) and my personal favorite – “coherence”. I am currently running the latest beta build and must say, VMware has some definite competition on their hands. See the screenshot below which shows me running Windows applications outside of the Parallels desktop making applications a part of the OS X workflow – easily accessible with CMD + Tab without needing to bring Parallels to the front.
As you can see above, I am running Internet Explorer 7 & Firefox in “coherence” mode outside of the Parallels interface (click for a larger preview). No more waiting for CrossOver to support IE7 installations. Parallels definitely proves that they are continually developing and improving the Windows experience on Intel powered Apple hardware.
Additional beta features, discussion, and download can be found here.
Disable the Windows Taskbar in coherence mode
For those having difficulty finding the option to disable the Taskbar, see the screenshot below:
The option can be found after clicking the Parallels VM Tools tray item and navigating to the coherence tab.
We have also mirrored the files:
Now THAT is a hell of a feature! Granted, Crossover still has the ‘no Windows lisence required’ advantage, but I’d rather have the better software support that comes with Parallels.
derek, i just recently purchased my first mac in quite a few years (i got a c2d macbook pro), and the first piece of sofwtare i purchased was parallels, so seeing the coherence mode thing for the upcoming betas makes it SO much more worthwhile. Who needs crossover mac now?
thanks for posting so many osx/apple/mac related posts, i eat that ish up.
You beat me to the punch! I was going to blog about this today. I LOVE this new feature not so much in current implementation but in terms of future capability. This is going to change everything. I do find it quite funny that when you move windows around in coherence mode you can see the desktop. I wonder how they are going to combat that.
Good post! Thanks!
This is the feature I’ve been waiting for:
* Boot from BootCamp partition. Another long awaited feature that lets you boot your 32-bit Windows XP residing on Boot Camp partition directly in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
Now I don’t have to waste space having two different installs of XP, and have to remember what files/applications are on each install.
As soon as the quad-proc intel mac pros come out i’ll be getting a new mac and i’ll be able to use this sweet functionality ;)
What icons are you using for your folders on your desktop? I really like those.
holy F**KING SHIT!
I think it is hysterical that my MAC has a Taskbar!
That is a miracle.
Dan, Taskbar can be removed. Check your coherence settings. Ben, the icons are from a set called Aqua System.
I just want to leave it on for the sheer fun!
Explain the “coherence settings” – can’t find ‘em and would love to get rid of the taskbar! Thanks…
So much for USB working with it though…
I started with a Mac with System 7.
Elegant and easy to use.
Functional.
The windows users would have memory config problems galore.
The Mac would issue errors so clear you would think that they were standing next to you.
Not error 76688-834-B
Who could ask for anything more ?
Wow, this looks really great – the feature itself, and the fact that Parallels is innovating even though VMware is still yet to release their product even as a public beta.
I’m really pleased to see this, as I need Windows on my MacBook but don’t have the space to install BootCamp – that and I’d prefer to virtualise anyway. However, I was reluctant to purchase Parallels as they were virtually unknown before their Mac product – so the fact that they see the need to innovate even without competing products really gives me the confidence I need to get a license for Desktop.
Sam
maybe my macbook pro will show up one of these days and I’ll be able to test it… errr… I feel like by the time mine finally ships (will never buy from 3rd party again) the new models will be out for the same price!
Booting from Bootcamp partition? That sounds amazing: downloading right now. What seem to be fastest? PPC applications (such as Photoshop) under Rosetta or the windows equivilant under coherence mode?
No coherence in Vista yet, but they are working on it. This mode will be great for running Office apps because Office 2003 runs terribly slow on my Macbook. Office is really the only thing that I use that appears to run much slower using Rosetta.
@Derek:
What type of Gmail notifier/icon do u have in your menu bar? I have the standard Gmail Notifier but the mail icon doesnt quite look the same as yours.
Started using this today, hella cool.
Derek,
Can’t find how to hide the XP taskbar in coherence mode. Can you please explain how it’s done …?
Just installed this beta, upgraded from 1970…all I have to say is wow. Everyone was saying how VMware would jump on these guys with their software but Paralells is proving to be a heavy weight in this arena. This new coherence feature is remarkable, I never thought about it, totally sick! :-)
@Matt: I’m using the official Gmail Notifier from Google. I just happen to run two instances. I need to keep an eye on two separate Gmail accounts.
@phatsteve: I update the post to include a screenshot. View the VM Tools options pane by double-clicking on the tray item and then navigating to the coherence setting. Make sure that the the top option ‘Show Taskbar’ is unchecked.
Cheers Derek.
I had the Tools Centre set to Auto Hide in the task-bar, so I’d forgoten it was there. Everything is now working a treat! Thanks.
can anyone else report on the compatiblity issues with booting parallels from the existing BC partition?
I had no problems on my test mule.
thats good to knwo then, thanks dan for the quick reply. i had just read lots of issues on that forum link in the post entry. i haven’t made a bc partition yet so i was debating on just going straight parallels, with no BC partition. i suppose it would be best to go ahead and install BC in case i ever needed it.
I honestly would stick to the Parallels route – It is by far the most flexable, and easiest to backup.
For the record… This is indeed a miracle hearing Dan admit to Parallels being the best route :)
I cannot switch to coherence mode!? Nothing happens when i select it, it just ignores it and it doesent select it in the menu.
Any ideas?
How on earth did anyone find out about this? I’ve been searching the parallels website for references to the beta for ages, this is the first place I’ve actually found a download link! So thank you for that!
@stefan: Did you update your VM Tools?
@Han: That’s why we post these types of tips. Sometimes the links are buried a little deeper in the forums.
I also am confused about this “coherence settings” .
The taskbar is sure a nice touch.
Awesome.
It is all coming together now.