VMware Fusion, virtualization program: VMware.

VMware Fusion, virtualization program: VMware. VMWARE VMware Fusion Virtual machine software from VMware, Inc., Palo Alto, CA (www.vmware.com) that allows Windows to run in an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X. In 2006, Macintosh computers began shipping with Intel x86 CPU chips, enabling Windows to run natively in the machine. See virtual machine. , Virtualization An umbrella term for enhancing a computer's ability to do work. Following are the ways virtualization is used.Hardware VirtualizationPartitioning the computer's memory into separate and isolated "virtual machines" simulates multiple machines within one physical computer. Program Software, $79.99 Award-winning desktop and server virtualization (1) Running applications in separate, isolated partitions within a single server. The "virtual machine" method can run different operating systems simultaneously, whereas the "OS virtualization" method runs applications for only one operating system (see virtual machine and OS software makerVMware has recently released Fusion, a program that enables Mac users torun PC applications seamlessly side by side with Mac applications. Anintuitive Mac-native interface makes integrating PC programs simple andstraightforward. Users can easily find, launch and run PC applicationswith Fusion's Unity and Expose functions, and minimize each programto the Mac OS X Dock when not in use. Fusion also enables Windows gamesto be played on Macs, and the creation of Windows-based virtual machinesthat complement Apple's Boot Camp Software from Apple that enables an Intel x86-based Macintosh to host the Windows XP operating system. Boot Camp is used to divide the hard disk into Windows and Mac partitions, to install the necessary drivers and to create a dual boot environment. partition A reserved part of disk or memory that is set aside for some purpose. On a PC, new hard disks must be partitioned before they can be formatted for the operating system, and the Fdisk utility is used for this task. , of which the Snapshotsfunction can store copies as a backup in the event of a system crash. www.vmware.com Rate your favorite new products atwww.DistrictAdministration.com/products Read Kurt O. Dyrli'sProduct Posts at blogs.districtadministration.com/ productsblog Kurt O.Dyrli is products editor (kydyrli@districtadministration.com)