Apple unveils software to permit Windows use

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Apple Computer Inc., the maker of the
Macintosh computer and iPod music device, on Wednesday rolled
out a first-ever software patch to run Microsoft’s dominant
Windows operating system on its PCs, a move that could draw
millions of new buyers.

By enabling the move to Windows, the world’s No. 1
operating system, Apple hopes to draw people who want Macs,
considered by many as easier to use and more stylish, but
prefer the Windows operating system.

Apple shares rose 5.7 percent in early trade on Nasdaq.

Apple said the “Boot Camp” software, available immediately
as a download, enables Macs powered by Intel Corp. chips to run
either Windows XP or Apple’s Mac OS operating system software.

Apple’s rivals Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. primarily
use Microsoft Corp.’s Windows software.

“We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to
Windows users considering making the switch,” said Philip
Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing, in a statement.”

In addition, with the patch, Macintosh users will now
likely be able to run some games and other software on their
Mac OS X computers without buying a separate Windows based
computer.

The final version of Boot Camp will be available as a
feature in the upcoming Mac OS X version 10.5 “Leopard”
personal computer. Apple said it will not provide support for
installing or running Boot Camp and does not sell or support
Microsoft Windows software.

Cupertino, California-based Apple said last June it would
shift to microprocessors made by Intel, the world’s biggest
chipmaker, from those made by International Business Machines
Corp.. It plans to move its entire Macintosh line to Intel
chips by the end of 2007.

The stock was up $3.48 to $64.65 on Nasdaq.