In a move that was widely anticipated, Apple Computer today announced the beta version of a new software application called Boot Camp, which allows Intel-based Macintosh computers to dual boot between Mac OS X and Windows XP. The software is free and will be included in the next major version of Mac OS X, currently code-named Leopard.
"Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple’s superior hardware now that we use Intel processors," said Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing Philip Schiller. "We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch."
That's for sure: Apple fanatics were so excited at the possibility of running Windows on the Intel-based Macs that a fan Web site raised over $16,000 as part of a contest to see who could make it work. Now, with Apple officially helping users to dual boot between Windows and Mac OS X, the company hopes that will jump-start Mac sales.
The Boot Camp software provides a simple wizard-like application that creates a second partition on the Mac hard drive and then installs XP there. The software also comes with all of the necessary XP drivers and sets up a dual-boot menu. For more information, check out the Apple Web site.
For more information, check out the Apple Web site.
