Lismore Software Systems on Wednesday announced the release of Guest PC v1.2, an updated version of their PC emulation software for Mac OS X. The new software features up to twice the performance on a Power Mac G5 system as previous releases, offers better stability and compatibility and a host of other improvements. It’s a free update for registered users.
Guest PC provides users with the bare essentials to get a PC emulator running on their system — it is bundled with DOS but leaves it to you have to a copy of Windows to install; it’s also compatible with x86-compatible versions of Linux, though Lismore doesn’t yet offer support for those installations. A built-in Windows Setup Assistant walks you through the process of installing Windows.
The G5 performance boost is noticed on dual-processor systems, according to Lismore. Other significant enhancements in this release include support for serial devices like modems, PDAs and cell phones (USB-to-serial adapter support has been added too). Peripheral support has been improved. DVD disk reading has been added. Several bug fixes have been made as well, including some that caused Visual Basic-made applications to crash.
Guest PC v1.2 costs US$69.99, and that fee includes “Family License” that lets you install the software on all the computers in your family. System requirements call for G3 or better, Mac OS X v10.3 or later, 2GB hard disk space, 256MB RAM, 1024 x 768 display, CD or DVD drive.
Users of Lismore’s previous “Classic” Mac OS PC emulation software, Blue Label PowerEmulator, can upgrade to Guest PC for a reduced fee of US$34.99.