The power to fly the coop Windows natively on Mac hardware is n’t the conclusion of the Mac ’s singular billet in the world . In fact , it ’s just the get-go . The future will bring countless possibilities for both Windows - to - Mac convert and longtime Mac users like you and me .
When Apple first announced that it would transport Intel - base Macs , ship’s company executives said that they would n’t foreclose anyone from figuring out a way to melt down Windows on those computers . Then arrive the release of Boot Camp ( see Mac Beat , Thomas Nelson Page 18 ) . Now not only can Intel - base Macs campaign Windows , but Apple is giving you the software to do it .
Is it good?
Since this isMacworld , get ’s stipulate that Mac OS X is a better operating organisation than Windows . But the fact is that many Mac usershaveto utilise Windows , at least now and then . Maybe your fellowship requires you to use specific Windows apps or chew the fat World Wide Web website that do n’t sustain the Mac . Or maybe there ’s a programme you want to use that simply wo n’t pass on the Mac .
Historically , you ’ve had two options : ladder Microsoft ’s Virtual personal computer emulator or shroud a PC under your desk . Now , with Boot Camp , you have a third : run Windows software on your Mac .
But do n’t bury that Boot Camp only let yourebootinto Windows . When your Mac is running Windows , OS X is completely gone . If you require to tack back and forth between Mac and Windows applications , you ’ll spend a lot of time staring at boot screens .
That ’s why I think another shoe will drop . Either Microsoft will update practical PC to run on Intel - based Macs , or Apple will integrate practical - auto technology into OS X 10.5 . Or even better , Apple will build Windows - in - a - window support into OS X , and Microsoft will build musical accompaniment for Mac - specific hardware into its forthcoming Windows Vista OS . That would make using Windows on a Mac more like using Classic .
Who’s it for?
Windows compatibility is n’t just for Mac users forced to use Windows occasionally . It ’s also for Windows substance abuser who might like to tack to the Mac .
For yr , the world has told Windows exploiter that the Mac is weird and — uncollectible of all — incompatible . The selection of running Windows on Mac ironware open them a base hit profit : They know they can always go back to Windows if they run into a problem .
Will these hoi polloi really buy a Mac and then practice it to run Windows ? I doubt it . For many such switchers , it will be enough to roll in the hay that they can always establish Windows if they need to — but they never will . Others will install Windows and then eventually realise that they ca n’t remember the last clip they used it .
Is it bad?
Some Mac user and initiate quetch that Boot Camp signals the end of the Mac as we know it . Now that Macs can run Windows programs , they argue , developer wo n’t want to pen Mac software package anymore . I disagree . If Mac users need to persist Windows apps , we would n’t be Mac users — and developers know it .
The transition from OS 9 to OS hug drug cleaned out the last of the company who were n’t really committed to the Mac . In fact , I bet that some companies that make Windows - only apps will discover what not bad client Mac users are and release Mac - native versions of their apps for the first time .
The one exception might be toilsome - effect PC game , which do n’t really even let on whether you ’re die hard Windows or OS X. I can see secret plan developer not incommode to port those games to the Mac . But more casual game — the Sims series , for case — will probably retain to be successful on the Mac .
The most chilling part of the Windows - on - Mac tale is the fact that Windows draw virus , spyware , and other evils like honey attract bears . By nonpayment , Windows ca n’t see what ’s on your Mac - format effort volume . possibly that ’s a good affair — because it signify a malicious PC virus ca n’t do ugly things to your Mac files .
But if youdoinstall Windows , be sure to install a virus chequer and keep it up to particular date . Rebooting into Windows means move into a dangerous neighborhood — so be fix .
Is it still a Mac?
In a world where iMacs can run Windows XP , what makes a Mac a Mac ? The answer is the same as it ’s always been : Apple ’s combination of dandy hardware design and expectant software system . Your Mac is still a Mac . That it can also be a PC — that it ’s the only computer that can run Windows XPandMac OS X — just show how versatile it really is .
Do you ever habituate Windows apps ? Will you be instal Boot Camp ? Share your thought in our forum , or e - get off me . And do n’t missmy Weblog .
