There are a rising number of PC users moving over to the Mac and using the Intel-based system to run Windows in native mode on their computer, through the Bootcamp technology. In fairness, you could also use virtualisation to run Windows XP without a great deal of slowdown. It works effectively. Of course, you could use the Mac OS X operating system for your daily OS. This is an option I've attempted on numerous occassions, but then end up back using Windows for various reasons. Still, I'm using Windows on a dual-booting iMac, so I'm half way there.

Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2 has been released and this is a mammoth upgrade, weighing in at 353MB. However, it doesn't just fix a few bugs and issues, it also adds a few new features, such as the new list options for Stacks, a non-transparent menu bar and more. So, if you have Leopard installed and have turned off your auto-update tool, grab the download yourself.

Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2 download.

You may have noticed a handful of key Mac applications online over the last few days. Mainly as I've been testing Leopard and running XP and Vista under virtualisation, on my Mac. So, this has given us the chance to put some key Mac applications online. The kind of apps that make you wish you owned a Mac, partly as they are so well made. These include Remote Buddy 1.8.8, updated this morning. This tool will enable you to control your Mac via a remote control. Remotes include the iPhone or iPod Touch.

iSale 5 is a superb eBay auction management tool that will enable you to design, upload and manage your various eBay auctions. It not only enables you to maintain the auction, but all the post-auction chasing required for payment and posting of the item(s). It's ideal if you want to sell more than one item on eBay or if you're a PowerSeller.

If you're not a Mac user, don't worry as normal service will resume soon. Hopefully when we make some changes to vnunet.com/downloads during 2008, we can separate Mac, Linux and Windows downloads.

iSale 5, Remote Buddy 1.8.8 links.

Mac OS X is designed to be so straightforward that users can get in to the operating system with the minimum of fuss. Some could say it's a tad too 'glossy', which means that hardened users work with the command, rather than the Finder. The Finder was improved with Leopard, but still doesn't please all. Anyone who has used Directory Opus on Windows will know that this true Explorer replacement offers so much flexibility and power over the standard Explorer based system. For instance, simply double-click on the desktop and an Opus window will launch.

ForkLift 1.5 beta is the first public preview of the forthcoming Finder alternative for Mac OS X. Note that it's an alternative rather than a replacement, so if you click on your Macintosh hard drive, Finder will still launch. ForkLift goes far further than Finder and is a powerful alternative. Hopefully even more functionality will be included in the future and, we hope, an Opus-like double-click on your desktop to open a ForkLift window.

Up until this week, I've always used either Windows XP or Vista as the primary operating system for my desktop computer. My laptop has OS X installed, which is enough for web browsing, email and access to our internal CMS. Someone once mentioned that Windows XP running under virtualisation on Leopard worked effectively. Indeed, using the Unity feature of VMware Fusion, you can run your Windows applications on the Mac desktop, alongside your Mac software.

Surprisingly, this is really effective. The Unity feature really does enable you to open, say, a Windows Explorer window right on top of your Mac desktop. Ok, resizing the window takes more redrawing than it would on a native Windows OS, but it's fast enough to use on a daily basis, enabling you direct access to both operating systems on one machine.

Only a few years ago virtualisation was too slow to be used for work purposes. Basic testing perhaps, but no more. These days we can run our Windows apps - along with their Windows UI - at a realistic speed on another operating system. I can't explain how interesting, useful and surprising this feature can become, until you experience it for yourself.

VMware Fusion 1.1.1 link.

If you follow our advice, we often recommend you go to the Apple Refurbished store, pick up an iMac or MacBook for around 20% off the standard retail price and then, if you need Windows, pick up the OEM edition of Windows XP or Vista and install through Bootcamp. You'll then have native versions of both OS X and Windows installed. Better still, you can access your Windows partition through OS X. However, there will be times that you want to write files back to your Windows partition, and you can't do this if it is NTFS formatted (as most drives are under XP or Vista).

Paragon NTFS for Mac is nothing more than a simple add-on to OS X, but what it does do is enable you to write files back to your Windows partition or any Windows formatted drive, including external drives. This means you can read, write and move files around both your OS X and Windows partition.

Paragon NTFS for Mac link.

We've been waiting for OS X Leopard for months, now it's finally available and it's a major upgrade and adds value to your old Mac. The snag is, it's a first revision product, with new features, so is bound to ship with a number of issues, problems and possible security hazards (for instance, the firewall has received bad press since launch). It was only time before the first update was released - the first update for Tiger was released 3 weeks after launch - and 10.5.1 is now available and is essential for any Leopard user.

Apple Mac OS X 10.5.1 is available as a 110MB download (although it was only 37MB for me, through the Apple automatic update) and, if you're planning on downloading it manually, head to the Apple 10.5.1 support page for more information.

We need to be more organised and in control of our personal finances, tasks and projects. Tools such as Microsoft Outlook are designed to enable us to send emails, but also track our events, meetings, tasks and other 'to do' items. We can invite other users to meetings, track their invitations/declines and more. However, there are few tools that enable us to do this on a personal level. There are a number of apps that will enable you to track your media collection, such as Libra or MediaMan, but these only offer a certain level of flexibility.

Bento is a new application designed specifically for Leopard, the new Mac OS X. It is a personal database and management application, but designed to work alongside your iLife applications, so it integrates with iPhoto, iCal and so on. It's going to be a commercial tool, but the preview has been released free of charge, so take a look for yourself.

If you're an Apple Mac user, we'd certainly recommend you go out and test Leopard. It's a fantastic new operating system that contains a number of worthwhile new features that will justify and upgrade. We're quite impressed. However, the problems with compatibility exist for every new operating system. In fairness, Vista has been a 'mare and we wouldn't have upgraded if we'd known how many third-party apps would need upgrading. With Leopard, most apps will work, some will need an update. Virtualisation software will need an upgrade and both Parallels and VMware have released updates.

VMware Fusion 1.1 build 61385 is a beta version of the new Mac OS X virtualisation software that will enable you to run Vista or Windows XP SP2 on your Mac. The new version has early support for Leopard, along with improved Vista support under Bootcamp and more.

For no specific reason, most Mac users seem to be looking forward to the release of the brand new OS X operating system, Leopard, which is on-sale from 6pm on the 26th of October 2007. For instance, it has been reported that the pre-orders for Leopard are in excess of twice those of the pre-orders for the current operating system, Tiger.

It's not all good news though. Apple Bootcamp, the superb tool that enabled Mac users to use Windows XP or Vista on their Macs, at native speeds, has been made unavailable from Apple and you'll now need to wait until Leopard - which includes the final release of Bootcamp - to install and use the latest version. Apple Bootcamp was always in beta and the official license 'expired' when Leopard was due to ship.

Don't tell anyone, but the direct link to Apple Bootcamp 1.4 (the last beta available) is still active. If you're planning on getting Leopard for Xmas and haven't yet installed Bootcamp 1.4 beta, get it whilst you can!

PC owners argue that Macs are all design over function, but then Mac users would state that with the latest Intel versions of the iMac, with Bootcamp installed, there's absolutely no reason why you can't use the same system to run both Mac OS X and Windows XP or Vista. However, this does mean that you have to boot in to either Windows or Mac OS X, which means that you might spend all your time in just one of these operating systems. The alternative is to use a virtual manager and to host Windows XP or Vista in a window on top of Mac OS X.

VMware Fusion 1.1 is an update to the virtual operating system manager for Mac OS that will enable you to install Windows XP or Vista on OS X. It's fast too. The latest Fusion 1.1 now supports DirectX 9 and has improved support for the iPhone under Windows as well as many other improvements.

If you're seeking a new PC, why not consider a refurbished iMac from the Apple UK refurbished store? For instance, the latest 17" Core 2 Duo is only £599 inc VAT. The much better 20" version is only £699 and this would make an ideal PC for the home. Well designed, almost silent and, if you have the right software, you can run it as a Mac or as a Windows machine. One option is Apple's Bootcamp software, the other is virtualisation technology.

VMware Fusion 1.0 RC is the first release candidate version of the forthcoming major Mac virtualisation software from VMware. It's still free for testing during this period, so if you have an Intel-based Mac, download it and try it for yourself.

Up until fairly recently, we had to put up with Microsoft's Virtual PC for Mac which ran like a dog, even on the fastest PowerPC-based Apple Mac. You could only really do the basics with this virtualisation software and most Mac users never thought they'd see a native Windows on their Mac. This all changed when Apple moved over to Intel processors, which has lead to an explosion in virtualisation software for the Intel Mac market.

VMware Fusion 4.1 beta is the latest virtualisation technology and now enables you to run Windows Vista or XP on your Mac. New features such as Unity will enable you to open and view a Windows application on your OS X desktop. The latest 4.1 ships with support for the forthcoming Leopard update, as well as drivers for the Santa Rosa-based MacBook Pro.

Last week we saw two major virtualisation releases from Apple and Parallels. After the launch of the updaed MacBook Pro, we saw Bootcamp 1.3 beta which now enables you to use the backlight function on your MacBook Pro keyboard, along with other updates. Parallels released Desktop v3 which is their major new virtualisation update, with support for 3D graphics and DirectX on your Mac.

VMware Fusion beta 4 was released at the end of last week and is currently free during beta-testing. This virtualisation tool, like Parallels Desktop 3, enables you to use your Bootcamp Windows installation (so saving you from having to install Windows, twice), ships with Unity which will launch and use Windows applications on your Mac desktop, in addition to experimental support for Windows Vista.

With updated Apple hardware recently made available, it was only time before Apple released a new version of the Bootcamp software, along with new drivers. Bootcamp 1.3 has just been made available and includes support for the MacBook Pro backlit keyboard, so you can now use this feature when using Windows through Bootcamp 1.3. Other features included updated drivers for the latest NVidia cards found in the MacBook Pro.

More interesting is the release of Parallels Desktop 3 for the Mac, which enables you to host Windows (or another OS) virtually, on top of Mac OS X. Better still, you can use your Bootcamp partition, which means you do not need to install Windows twice. The latest Parallels Desktop 3 contains new features such as 3D support, DirectX support and more.

You'd expect software development to be rather quiet at this time of the year. Came in to the office this morning to find a press announcement for the first public beta of VMWare Fusion for Mac. This enables you to run Windows (and other operating systems) in a virtual environment on your Intel-based Apple Mac. It's also free, whilst in beta. You'll need an operating system, and you'll need to buy a copy of Windows XP SP 2, but an OEM version can be bought for around £50 these days.

To make this even more exciting, Parallels have just released beta 2 of their Parallels Desktop for Mac (build 3094). Both have support for USB 2 and Parallels now enables you to use your Bootcamp based partition, so you can now choose to boot through Bootcamp or use the same Bootcamp Windows XP installation through your Mac, via Parallels.

Believe me, if you're an Intel Mac user, this is exciting. Recently I purchased a 20¨ Core 2 Duo Intel iMac from the Apple refurbished store (these go through a rigorous testing procedure) and Bootcamp makes the machine an ideal Windows XP machine. I still enjoy Mac OS X, so the new version of Parallels should enable me to use my Bootcamp installation through Mac OS X, from time to time.

If you have an Intel Mac or are considering a new PC (and wonder if an Intel Mac would be a good option), read about and/or download VMWare Fusion Mac beta or Parallels Desktop for Mac Update Beta 2.

You know you're tempted. We are. The latest Intel Core 2 Duo Macs are both stylish, powerful and reasonable value. Buy from the Apple Refurbished store and you can get a 17" Core 2 Duo for £699. We're tempted simply as you can run Windows on your Mac, using Apple's Bootcamp software, which has just been updated for the new Macs.

It works seamlessly. All you need is Windows XP SP2 and you can either choose to install Windows on a partition or a separate internal drive. Once installed, you have the optio n to boot in to Windows or Mac OS X and you can automate the boot process so it automatically boots in to your preferred OS.

The latest Bootcamp 1.1.2 does more than support the latest Macs. It contains the latest Windows drivers and additional support for non-US based Macs. Grab it now.

Although it's still in beta (the final version will be released as part of the forthcoming Leopard operating system, in 2007), Apple have released a new version of Boot Camp, now up to 1.1.1. Boot Camp enables Intel Mac users to create a bootable Windows partition that resides alongside your existing Mac OS X partition. You can then choose to boot in to either Windows XP or Mac OS X.

The latest 1.1.1 revision of Boot Camp supports the latest Core 2 Duo Intel-based Mac Pro and iMacs. Other improvements include the support for installing Windowx XP on any internal hard drive. If you have a Mac Pro, you could install a separate drive that contained Windows XP.

Remember you need Windows XP with Service Pack 2 to use Boot Camp. If you have this and want to use Windows on your Intel-Mac, download Boot Camp 1.1.1 from the Apple website.

It's been a long while since Apple released new iPods, but last night we saw a brand new Nano, a small improvement to the 'video' iPod and a completely re-designed Shuffle. Oh, and they previewed a fantastic new HD-orientated media centre, which is half the size of a Mac Mini.

To drive the new hardware, they also released new versions of QuickTime 7.1.3 and iTunes 7, which is a major update. If you're in the States, you'll now be able to download full movies, and anyone can now search for artwork through the iTunes Store, for their imported audio CDs. Saves you from having to scan in the front cover of your CD. iTunes 7 also has an improved interface, enabling you to browse your CDs via their front cover and much more.

You'll need to download if you want to get the best out of the new and improved iTunes Store. It's also a worthwhile upgrade for both Mac and PC users. Head here to grab the download and let us know what you think.

Parallels recently released their Desktop for Mac virtual technology that enables an Intel Mac user to host Windows within a separate window on top of Mac OS X. Due to support for Intel's virtualisation technology, Windows is more than usable. It's fast. Better still, with the use of a virtual desktop manager, such as VirtueDesktops, you can open your virtual Windows on one screen and Mac OS X on another and quickly switch between the two desktops.

Now they've gone one stage further and added support for the new professional-level Mac Pro and experimental support for Windows Vista. This means you can test Windows Vista on your Mac, through virtual technology, without the need to upgrade or wipe your existing system. Simply host Vista in it's own window on top of OS X.

The Update Release Candidate for existing Parallels Desktop for Mac is available for both existing Parallels users and new users, through a 15-day trial. For more information, check the Update Release Candidate website.

We're big fans of OpenOffice, the free Microsoft Office compatible Office suite. Whilst we wait for the forthcoming OpenOffice 2.04 for Windows (download Release Candidate 1), the guys behind NeoOffice have been busy producing a proper Mac OS X Aqua native port of OpenOffice 2.03 for the Mac.

Previous releases for the Mac have been developed around the Unix-based X11 system, which results in a non-native obscure user interface. It has never been particularly popular with Mac users. Better still, this Mac version of OpenOffice supports the Mac-native clipboard, Spotlight, fonts and printing system.

Although still in beta (beta 3 to be exact), it's definitely worth a look if you're a Mac user seeking a freeware office suite. For further information, and to download NeoOffice for OS X, head to the NeoOffice website.

Apple today released an update for Boot Camp, its popular dual booting software that allows users to boot Windows XP on any Intel based Mac. However, the updates remain a bit of mystery, with Apple releasing no additional notes with the new beta release. If personal experience is anything to go by; hopefully this version will fix a few of the glitches experienced with the original release.

Download it here.