Jaikus
Simple question: Am I running Mac OS X or Windows XP in the screenshot above? (Click to enlarge).
Simple answer: I’m running both.
Complicated answer
I’m really running Parallels with the coherence feature enabled. Parallels is an application that utilizes the Intel processors in newer Macs, allowing Windows XP to run in a virtual machine, but without the whole hassle of emulation. Without emulation, speed is greatly increased.
Coherence means that the Parallels makes the Windows desktop transparent while running the virtual machine full screen. This allows Mac and Windows applications to run side by side, without the hassle of having to switch to the virtual machine, and then selecting the Windows application you want to use. This way; Windows application really feel like any other applications on Mac.
This is cool, but it’s old news. Now, I’m using boot camp to dual-boot on my Macbook Pro. I use Windows for .NET development at work and for gaming. I use Mac OS X for everyting else. The great thing about this new beta of Parallels I’m running, is that I don’t have to create a new virtual machine and install Windows, Office, Visual Studio and so on. I can just boot my existing Windows partition directly in Parallels. How cool is that?
If you are dual-booting between OS X and Windows, I can only recommend that you try out the free 30 day trial of Parallels. It is unbelievably easy to get up and running; you just go through a wizard, select Boot Camp, and - BAM! - you have your well known Windows desktop right there next to your Dock, Mail, Safari, and so on. If you try this setup, I have one tip for you: Don’t attempt to click on anything when you boot in Parallels and Windows detects new hardware. Parallels will take care of everything, so just sit back and wait until the virtual machine is not working anymore.
And by the way: Running your Windows partition in Parallels doesn’t in any way change or harm the partition. You can always boot into Windows as usual, which is still necessary if you want to play a 3D game.