Connectix Virtual PC Sneakpeek
Report by: Dan Hughes (dhughes@webintosh.com)
May 29, 1997
Ever since the introduction of the PowerPC processor in the early 90's, Power Macintosh owners have been able to run Windows programs via Insignia Solution's emulator, SoftWindows. But despite the fact that the product has gone through four major revisions since its debut, it's still limited in not only execution and overall speed but by the fact that it only emulates Microsoft's Windows 3.1 and 95.
Connectix hopes to change this with their upcoming PC emulator, Virtual PC. Not only is the program being touted to be a truely viable alternative to a PC in terms of actual speed (a recent showing at the Apple Worldwide Developers' Conference earlier this month had the emulator reportedly performing at Pentium speeds on today's higher-end PowerPC chips), but the product will emulate an entire PC, thus giving users the freedom to run all Intel-based operating systems. From OS/2 to OpenStep to Linux to Windows NT to even something like Lucent's Inferno, Virtual PC will handle it all.
There are still quite a number of questions to be answered about the program, however. Despite the fact that Virtual PC is due to hit store shelves in June, neither pricing nor bundled software has been announced. Connectix is said to be aiming to provide the product at a 'consumer pricing level', but the company is reportedly mulling over the decision on whether or not to include a copy of Microsoft's Windows 95. If this were to happen, the price would undoubtedly rise over $150 (and more realistically, $200) as the OS itself sells for roughly $100. Connectix could conceivably sell the emulator as is and leave the operating system choice up to the consumer, but we believe it would be a wise move to give the user a complete 'out of box' experience.
We here at Webintosh have been lucky enough to have received a handful of screenshots showing the product in action, along with some more technical information. However, we would like to stress that all information enclosed below is from an outside source, and thus, because we don't have an actual copy to test, it's impossible for us to verify all details. With that having been said, however, all information does seem to be accurate judging from the screenshots.
The entire Virtual PC program consists of just one single file and a matching preference file, a somewhat shocking revelation considering the program's capabilities and the dozens of configuration files association with an emulator like SoftWindows. Even more impressive is Virtual PC's reported handling of hard disks. All hard drives are contained in what Connectix dubs 'hardfiles' and they can be mounted on the desktop for incredibly simplistic file transfers. Folders can even be shared (see below).
The size of the program is impressive in itself. While, needless to say, Virtual PC doesn't have the weight of an operating system to deal with, the fact that an entire PC can be emulated in a 840k application is quite amazing. When it comes to memory, reports indicate that the emulator only has a 2MB overhead, so, when using the minimum memory setting of 10MB, the operating system will be getting 8MB. Each successive increase in allocation size will be distrubuted fully to emulated operating system, not the emulator itself.
The interface of Virtual PC is said to extraordinarily simple, and our source states that the above preference box is the only configuration that needs to be dealt with. Even better, all information about the emulated hardware is mapped out in this window, so if you're going to use a operating system that needs specific hardware drivers, you'll know exactly what to look for. For instance, by clicking on the Sound Card setting, you're not only presented with what type of card is being emulated, but also the exact hardware settings (IRQs, DMAs, etc.). In the sound card's case, Virtual PC emulates a SoundBlaster Pro, while on the video card side of things, a S3 928 PCI card is being duplicated.
Furthermore, while the hardfiles of Virtual PC can be mounted on the desktop, the program evidently allows you to set up specific folders that are shared between the Mac OS and the emulated operating system.
Much like SoftWindows, Virtual PC can be run in a standard window or, through a simple key combination, a full screen mode can be evoked. When running in a window, on-screen buttons allow for quick access to both floppy and CD-ROM drives, and activity lights monitor any disk or network access.
From all accounts, it surely seems that Connectix is on track for truly ground breaking product with Virtual PC. Ultimately, however, large scale success will be based almost entirely on the price point the company can deliver the product at, and, more importantly, the performance. If the reports that came out at the WWDC are true, Macintosh users are in for yet another riveting treat from the fine folks at Connectix. |
