Virtual PC - Apr/May '00

Virtual PC 3.0

Version 3.0 of Virtual PC (VPC) brings USB, OS9 compatibility, faster disk and network access, and shared IP connectivity to an already robust Windows emulation software program. Attorneys shouldn't expect any significant speed increases, however, as performance remains sluggish (though acceptable) on a fast iMac, G3 or G4 systems.

Consistent with Apple's new industry-standard I/O ports, Virtual PC 3.0 adds support for Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI)-based USB PCI cards. If your USB peripherals are compliant and you have manufacturer-supplied Windows 98 drivers for the devices, they are compatible with VPC 3.0. You can use the device to scan, print and utilize USB removable storage devices.

A database of compatible USB devices can be found on the Connectix Web site. However, information on the site cautions that USB cross-platform features are reserved to Macs running OS9 with Win98 or higher. Access to Mac USB printers, however, didn't present any problems running under MacOS 8.6.

Virtual PC 3.0 also adds shared IP networking compatibility. Your law office can share a single IP address between Virtual PC and the Mac without configuring the modem separately for Macintosh OS and Windows, or paying for a second IP address.

While in Virtual PC, users can simultaneously access both Web and Mac applications. To test this feature, I accessed the Web, and launched Netscape Mac and Internet Explorer on Virtual PC. I downloaded an Apple QuickTime for Windows upgrade under Virtual PC, and installed it in Windows 98 as I checked e-mail on the Mac side. There was a download hit, however, while running both programs for Web access.

Connectix also touts improved disk access and networking speed in this revision. Disk access under Windows still correlates to the speed of your Mac hard drive. Simply stated: If you have a fast Mac hard drive, VPC 3.0 will inherit the benefit of that speedy hard drive. I didn't notice any significant speed increase, although performance was good on a fast G3/4 and a PowerBook Bronze 400 MHz. Although network performance is definitely faster, I wasn't able to confirm the 72 percent increase over version 2.0 claimed by Connectix.

Virtual PC 3.0 also adds extensive AppleScript support and Creative Labs' Sound Blaster 16 emulation to its feature set. Most impressive, however, is the program's ease of use. Virtual PC supports bi-directional copy-and-paste functions, and a drag-and-drop function to transfer files between Windows and Mac desktops. To share a folder between Mac and PC, you simply drag the folder to the "folders" icon on Virtual PC's dock bar.

Virtual PC setup is a breeze. Once installed, a setup assistant walks you through configuration of the program. A preferences menu helps you establish shared folders, video memory, printing features and other options. Also implemented is a configuration manager to tackle multiple VPC preferences for running Windows95, NT, 98 or 2000.

Because Virtual PC emulates a complete Pentium PC chipset, compatibility is excellent. I installed and tested a variety of mainstream and legal specific software programs, including CD-ROM-based databases. Not surprisingly, I ran all of them without any problems using Virtual PC 3.0.

I did have problems running Intuit Inc.'s QuickBooks Pro 5.0, however. The program crashed Windows several times. The same difficulties occurred while running QuickBooks on SoftWindows 98. You should note, however, that this may be a Windows problem and not a VPC deficiency.

Virtual PC remains a solid Windows emulation program with decent speed, excellent compatibility and functionality. Overall, it's a very good value.

Ultimately, if you need to access a data-intensive program such as Adobe Photoshop on Windows, you should purchase a PC. But if your law office needs to access occasional legal-specific PC programs or run mainstream office applications, Virtual PC is an excellent, low-cost solution.

What's more, Connectix recently announced support for both Windows 2000 and Linux at the MACWORLD Expo in San Francisco.

Connectix Corp.
(800) 950-5880
www.connectix.com

Three versions: Dos 2000; Win 95; Win 98
System Requirements: Mac OS 7.5.5 or later;
Mac OS 7.5.5 or later; Mac OS 8.0 or later

$49; $149; $179

Reviewed by David A. Saraceno, solo practitioner, Coeur d'Arlene, Idaho

April/May '00 Issue

PROS
USB, AppleScript, shared IP; improved disk and network speed; good value.

CON
Emulation isn't hardware.

VERDICT
Connectix has rounded out its Windows emulation product
line with this release. Compatibility, ease of use and flexible configurations far outweigh slow emulation.