Apple Introduces Boot Camp
Public Beta Software Enables Intel-based Macs to Run Windows XP
CUPERTINO, California–April 5, 2006–Apple today introduced Boot Camp,
public beta software that enables Intel-based Macs to run Windows XP.
Available as a download beginning today, Boot Camp allows users
with a Microsoft Windows XP installation disc to install Windows XP on an
Intel-based Mac, and once installation is complete, users can restart their
computer to run either Mac OS X or Windows XP. Boot Camp will be a feature
in “Leopard,” Apple’s next major release of Mac OS X, that 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 is complete, users
can choose to run either Mac OS X or Windows when they restart their
computer.
Pricing & Availability
The public beta of Boot Camp is available immediately as a download
at www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp, and is preview software licensed for use
on a trial basis for a limited time. The final version of Boot Camp will be
available as a feature in the upcoming Mac OS X version 10.5 “Leopard.”
Apple does not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp and does
not sell or support Microsoft Windows software. Apple welcomes user
feedback on Boot Camp at bootcamp@apple.com.
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 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.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple
II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its
award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and
iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital
music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online
music store.