A year ago, I might have needed to explain this week's DealBITS drawing in more detail. But a year ago, virtualization - the capability to run Windows and other PC operating systems on an Intel-based Mac - was just getting started, and Parallels Desktop hadn't yet become the must-have application for anyone who needs to use Windows applications on a Mac.

This week's drawing is a bit unusual, since the prize - from Small Dog Electronics - is a copy of Parallels Desktop on a 512 MB Kingston USB drive, worth $69.99. Entrants who aren't among our lucky winners will receive a discount on it from Small Dog, so be sure to enter at the drawing page. All information gathered is covered by our comprehensive privacy policy. Be careful with your spam filters and challenge-response systems, since you must be able to receive email from my address to learn if you've won. Remember too, that if someone you refer to this drawing wins, you'll receive the same prize as a reward for spreading the word.