aryayush
Aspiring Novelist
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In the next major release of Mac OS X Leopard, Apple will include a new technology called Boot Camp that lets you install and run Windows on your Mac. If you have an Intel-based Mac computer and would like to try Boot Camp, you can download the public beta today.
As elegant as it gets
Boot Camp lets you install Windows without moving your Mac data, though you will need to bring your own copy to the table, as Apple does not sell or support Microsoft Windows. Boot Camp will burn a CD with all the required drivers for Windows so you don't have to scrounge around the Internet looking for them.
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Optional alt. At startup, hold down the option key (alt) to choose between Mac OS X and Windows.
Optional alt. At startup, hold down the option key (alt) to choose between Mac OS X and Windows.
Run Windows natively
Once you’ve completed Boot Camp, simply hold down the option key (that’s the “alt” key for you longtime Windows users) at startup to choose between Mac OS X and Windows. After starting up, your Mac runs Windows natively just like a PC. Simply restart to come back to Mac.
What you’ll need
- Mac OS X Tiger v10.4.6 or later (check Software Update)
- The latest firmware updates (check Support Page)
- 10GB free hard disk space
- An Intel-based Mac
- A blank recordable CD or DVD
- A printer for the instructions (You’ll want to print them before installing Windows, really.)
- A bona fide full version of Microsoft Windows: XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2, WIndows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. (No upgrade or multi-disc versions).
The Boot Camp course
Boot Camp Public Beta provides a straightforward means of letting your Mac run Windows. Here’s how it works:
- First, you need to make sure your Intel-based Mac has the latest version of Mac OS X and the latest firmware updates. These provide technologies that make Boot Camp possible. It’s also wise to print out the Installation & Setup Guide.
- Boot Camp burns a disc with the drivers Windows needs to recognize Mac-specific hardware. It is very important to do this before starting the Windows installation.
- The software also helps you set aside hard drive space for the Windows installation, without moving any of your Mac files around. Just drag the intuitive slider to choose the size that’s right for you. Boot Camp also makes it easy to remove the Windows partition later, should you so desire.
- Next, insert your Windows installation disc, follow the installation instructions that come with Windows. Be sure to select the appropriate disk partition or you could erase your Mac files accidentally. Remember, Apple does not sell or support Microsoft Windows.
- After the installation process is complete and your Mac has booted Windows, you’ll need the Mac Drivers disc you burned previously. When you insert the disc, it will automatically install the drivers. Follow the instructions in the Installation & Setup Guide for helpful hints.
- Don’t forget to follow best practices for updating and protecting your Windows system (see “Word to the Wise” at the bottom).
*images.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/images/choosepartition080806.jpg *images.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/images/partition080806.jpg
Space maker. Meet the most elegant hard drive utility ever.
Space maker. Meet the most elegant hard drive utility ever.
Changes in Boot Camp 1.2 beta
Boot Camp 1.2 beta contains several updates and is intended for all new and previous Boot Camp beta users.
Boot Camp 1.2 beta includes:
- Support for Windows Vista (32-bit)
- Updated drivers, including but not limited to trackpad, AppleTime (synch), audio, graphics, modem, iSight camera
- Support the Apple Remote (works with iTunes and Windows Media Player)
- A Windows system tray icon for easy access to Boot Camp information and actions
- Improved keyboard support for Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, and French Canadian
- Improved Windows driver installation experience
- Updated documentation and Boot Camp on-line help in Windows
- Apple Software Update (for Windows XP and Vista)
Updating to Boot Camp 1.2 beta
If you previously installed Boot Camp beta, you can easily update to Boot Camp 1.2 beta. You don't need to partition your hard drive again (unless you want to change its size) or reinstall your Macintosh and Windows software or documents, but it's very important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new Mac Drivers CD and install the updated software it contains onto Windows. Complete instructions are provided in the Installation and Setup Guide included with the Boot Camp 1.2 beta software.
Using Windows on a Mac
Mac hardware operates differently from PCs, and this public beta does not support all features of the Mac in Windows. Learn more about running Windows on a Mac.
Mac OS X Leopard
Get a sneak peak at the other new features in Leopard on the Mac OS X Leopard site. Developers can learn more about Mac OS X Leopard on Apple's Developer site.
EFI and BIOS
Macs use an ultra-modern industry standard technology called EFI to handle booting. Sadly, Windows XP, and even Vista, are stuck in the 1980s with old-fashioned BIOS. But with Boot Camp, the Mac can operate smoothly in both centuries.
Word to the Wise
Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC. That means it’ll be subject to the same attacks that plague the Windows world. So be sure to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft Windows security fixes.
Tell a Friend
Email people you think might be interested in Boot Camp for Intel-based Macs.
Feedback
Please provide bootcamp@apple.com feedback to improve future versions of the software.
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It had to happen some day. We all expected it would only come with Leopard but it seems Apple knows how to keep pace with Microsoft. It's a shame I don't have any need for Vista. I really wanted to try this out.
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