After Parallels' last-week unveiling of the new Parallels Desktop 8 - the latest version of the top-notch Mac utility for running Windows and Windows programs with Mac programs -, the software upgrade has now been made available for purchase.

According to reports, the Parallels Desktop 8 version has been specifically modified with the aim of making the software upgrade benefit from, as well as integrate with, the new features in the newest Mac OS - Mountain Lion - and Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 OS, which is set to hit the markets on October 26.

Boasting much speedier graphics and better startup and resume times as compared to the earlier versions, Parallels Desktop 8 not only offers Mac users the `dual booting' as a fast and stable option of execution of code for running Windows or other OS on their Macs, but also brings on the more useful `virtualization' approach, whereby Mac users can open a window to their system's hardware to run a second OS simultaneously.

As such, Parallels Desktop 8 allows OS X users to run Windows for its numerous options in services and program, Linux and Unix variants, or even an additional instance of OS X for testing purposes.

Parallels Desktop 8 is now officially available at a price of $79 for new customers; $50 for existing customers who wish to upgrade; and $40 for students. Just like the prior versions, the upgraded software has a `free trial' option which can be availed for one month before purchasing a license.