FAQ: Macs running Windows -- what you should know

Computerworld - Apple Computer Inc. today unveiled software that will allow new Macintosh computers to run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP software natively (see story). But not all Macs will be able to use the software, which Apple has dubbed "Boot Camp." While it's been released as a free public beta for users to try now, the final version will be included in the next upgrade to Mac OS X, due out later this year.

Here's what else you should know.

What was actually announced today? Apple released software called Boot Camp that allows its newest Intel-based computers to run Windows XP natively. The free public beta is 83MB and can be downloaded from Apple's Web site. It is available without technical support "for a limited time."

What models of Apple computers can actually run Boot Camp? Only Apple systems with Intel chips will run the software. So far this year, the company has released several Intel-based models: the Mac Mini, the 15-in. MacBook Pro laptop, and two versions of the all-in-one desktop iMac. Apple also notes that you need a computer with a built-in or USB keyboard and a built-in trackpad or USB mouse. In other words, wireless keyboards and mice don't work -- at least not yet.

What else do I need to run Boot Camp? You need Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later. Apple updated Mac OS X a few days ago, so run Software Update if you haven't done so recently. You also need the latest firmware update available for your Intel-based Mac, at least 10GB of free space on your start-up disk and a full, single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, as well as a blank CD. The CD will be used to create Macintosh software drivers.

I've got an earlier version of Windows XP. Will that work? No. Apple is very clear on this point. "Your Windows XP installation disc must include Service Pack 2 (SP2). You cannot install an earlier version of Windows and upgrade it to Windows XP, nor install an earlier version of Windows XP and update it with SP2 later."

Is this legal? Entirely. Apple isn't pirating Windows XP. It's offering software that simply allows XP to run natively on Macs. You still have to supply the XP installation disk, meaning a lot of Mac owners may soon be checking out the Windows aisle at their local computer stores.

Why did Apple release this software? There are probably a lot of reasons. Hackers had already been able to create a kludgy way of booting Windows XP on the new Macs, mostly because they wanted to see if it's possible. But Apple had, until today, expressed little interest in making it easy to do. Including it in its upcoming version of Mac OS X 10.5, or "Leopard," also adds real value to that upgrade for Mac owners -- making it more likely that they'll buy it. It also means that would-be Mac owners who must run a program that works only in Windows can now buy Apple hardware and keep using their Windows-only software.