In a surprise move, Apple has released a free beta of "Boot Camp", an application that allows the installation of Microsoft Windows XP on an Intel-based Mac. Simply pop in a valid XP installation disc, install the OS, and you have a fully legal, Apple-supported dual-booting method.

The app simplifies the Windows installation, as it automatically installs the needed drivers and creates a hard drive partition for each OS. Then, hold the option key down while booting up your Mac to select Windows or OS X.

Apple is hoping this move will create a larger userbase for Mac hardware, as the ability to run Windows is something that should be appealing to a large number of professional and casual users alike. "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.. We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch", says Phillip Schiller, Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The feature is available as a free download for the time being, but the final version will be included in the next major revision of OS X, Leopard, which is said to include new finder enhancements as well and will make an appearance at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in August.

External Link: Download Apple Boot Camp Beta

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