Apple introduces Boot Camp beta version for Windows XP on Intel-based Macs
By Our Corporate Bureau | 11 Apr 2006
Mumbai: Apple Computers has introduced Boot Camp, its public beta software that enables Intel-based Macs to run Windows XP. Available as a download, Boot Camp allows users with a Microsoft Windows XP installation disc to install Windows XP on Intel-based Macs, and once installation is complete, users can restart their computer to run either Mac OS X or Windows XP. Boot Camp will be one of the feature in Leopard, Apple's next release of Mac OS X, and will be previewed at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in August.
"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 Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch."
Boot Camp simplifies Windows installation on an Intel-based Mac by providing a simple graphical step-by-step assistant application to dynamically create a second partition on the hard drive for Windows, to burn a CD with all the necessary Windows drivers, and to install Windows from a Windows XP installation CD. After installation, users can choose to run either Mac OS X or Windows when they restart their computer.
The public beta of Boot Camp is available immediately as a download from Apple's web site, and the preview software is licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited period. The final version of Boot Camp will be available as a feature in the upcoming Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard. Apple has clarified that it does not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp and does not sell or support Microsoft Windows software.
System Requirements
Boot Camp requires an Intel-based Mac with a USB keyboard and mouse, or a built-in keyboard and TrackPad; Mac OS X version 10.4.6 or later; the latest firmware update; at least 10GB of free space on the start-up disk; a blank recordable CD or DVD; and single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later versions.
