Apple Boot Camp Allows Dual Partition for Windows XP and Mac OS – System Requirements for New Computer Program

April 5th 2006

iMac

Apple Computer has introduced a new program called Boot Camp that will allow their Mac users to partition their hard drive and run Windows programs. The application will allow users to install Windows XP on Apple Macs. Customers will be able to burn a CD with all the necessary Windows drivers, and install Windows from a Windows XP installation CD.

When the installation is completed, users will be able to choose the operating system when the boot the system. One of the appealing features for Apple has been their intuitive operating system, which many Mac users say is better than Microsoft (MS). According to Apple, Boot Camp will be a feature in their new up-coming operating system “Leopard”. Leopard will likely be previewed at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference in August.

Apple recently switched chip makers, and now installs Intel processor chips in their computers. One wonders if this new Boot Camp Program played into their decision to switch chip makers. Many customers have expressed desires for a dual-boot system.

Recently Microsoft announced that they are not going to develop new versions of their Internet Explorer (IE) for the Apple. Many Apple users use either Safari or Firefox browsers. Some Internet sites require IE 5 or greater to work. Now if Safari or Firefox are unable to work on some websites, there is a Windows alternative for Mac users.

Apple has made it clear that they are not providing support for installing or running Boot Camp, and they do not sell or support Windows software. The system requirements are: 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 startup disk; a blank recordable CD or DVD; and single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later.