Windows XP coming to Mactels?
updated 06:30 pm EST, Tue March 14, 2006
XP coming to Mactels
OsXBook.com has developed software dubbed "BamBios," which allows legacy booting of operating systems on Intel-based Macs. A non-EFI version of Linux can be readily booted using BamBios, and developers are excited about the possibilities of using the software to multiboot several operating systems on the new Mac hardware. "Linux works fine, and we have made good progress with booting an unmodified Windows XP installation." Meanwhile, the "Windows XP on an Intel Mac" contest is boasting a cash prize that has swelled to over $12,500, which may have already been won by one developer. A recent post by a user who is said to be very credible on the "WinXP on Mac" forums has submitted his process to the owners of the site for review, and there is now a thread on the forums asking for testers -- three MacBook Pros, three iMacs, and three Mac minis, according to Ars Technica. As yet no definitive evidence has been released to the public that Windows XP is running on an Intel-based Mac, however. [updated]
Microsoft has already said it would have no problem granting a Windows license to Apple, in precisely the same way it currently provides licenses to Dell and HP, according to PCPro.
"Just like all Microsoft's OEMs, Apple can build industry-standard hardware that's compatible with Windows; Microsoft has an open specification and a process for certifying the hardware," a Microsoft spokesman said. "Microsoft would support Apple the same way it supports every other PC manufacturer."
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2001
Why would Apple license
Windows? It's not as if Microsoft's Windows licensing is free, even if it was desireable. Apple's current policy of "we won't stop you from running Windows if you pay for the Windows license (and don't call us for Windows tech support)" is the obvious right choice.
I realize some people have a need to run Windows on their Mac. If Microsoft was smart, they would be working hard to update Virtual PC so that Intel Mac users can run Windows under Mac OS X. Or they would be working hard to make XP and Vista EFI-bootable with Intel Macs. Doing either or both will increase their sales of VPC and/or Windows. They should not be making stupid statements about Apple licensing Windows.