Microsoft KB Archive/824622

= Programs That Use DirectX Perform Poorly on a Windows-Based Virtual Machine =

Article ID: 824622

Article Last Modified on 2/16/2005

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 6.1
 * Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 6.1.1 Update
 * Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
 * Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Mac 6.0
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Mac 5.0

-



SYMPTOMS
When you run a program that requires DirectX on a Windows-based virtual machine, the program performs poorly.



CAUSE
This issue occurs because a virtual machine is not an effective platform for running programs that use high-performance multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, three-dimensional animation, interactive music, and surround sound. Virtual PC does support the use of Microsoft DirectX. However, Microsoft does not recommend the use of Virtual PC as a gaming solution for Macintosh computers because most modern games for personal computers have high performance requirements that cannot be met by using virtual machine emulation.



MORE INFORMATION
DirectX is a group of technologies that were designed by Microsoft to make Microsoft Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running programs that make extensive use of multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, three-dimensional animation, interactive music, and surround sound. DirectX is built in to the Windows family of operating systems, and it is an integral part of Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. DirectX components may also be automatically installed on your system by advanced multimedia games and programs.

Keywords: kbinfo KB824622

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.