Apple supports Windows XP on Intel-based Macs

In a world dominated by Windows, Apple Computer has released software that allows Intel-based Mac computers to run in parallel with two operating systems: Mac OS X and Windows XP.

Source: Mediazone

Immediately after this information, Apple's stock price in Wall Street skyrocketed by 10%, bringing its total market capitalization to 57.04 billion USD, up from more than 5 billion USD previously.

Analysts say the new move will help Apple expand its market share in the global PC market beyond the modest 3-4% threshold.

" Mac will become the most versatile computer on the market at the moment ", so its attractiveness to users and business customers can also increase, said Anal Strategies analyst Tim Bajarin. .

Recently, hackers who admire Apple and Machitosh computers have vied to become the first to "crack" Windows "Macs using the new and successful Intel chip. public in March last. The reward for the two boys who set up this "victory" amounted to USD 13,854 in cash. But now, their achievement has become meaningless with the announcement of Windows support on Apple's Mac-Intel.

Currently released for free as a trial version, "Boot Camp" software allows users to install Windows XP on a Mac computer. After that, users can freely switch between the two operating systems (of course, only one system can be used at a time) - by restarting the computer.

However, to use this software, you must first have the Windows XP installation disc ready. Obviously, because Apple can not sell Windows XP with no success for rival Microsoft can not.

Reverse attitude?

With this almost unimaginable decision, Apple has lifted one of the biggest hurdles in the long battle against Windows dominance.

" Customers who have chosen Macs but are cautious because of the low compatibility of the system, now no longer have to worry about it ," Bajarin said.

When Apple introduced the first Mac chip with Intel chips in January, the company vigorously announced that it had no intention of selling or supporting Windows on its products. However, the company did not do anything to "prevent" users from doing it themselves.

Until yesterday, Apple still insisted that they adhere to that statement, only that the new software will help customers use their computers more comfortable. Bootcamp beta software will expire after September 2007, but Apple said the completed BootCamp will appear in Mac OS X version 10.5 (code name is Leopard).

Before Apple "played this surprise", for months, independent hackers have had several successful development programs that allow Intel Mac users to switch between the two operating systems.

Located in the strategy?

It seems that Apple supports Windows is being implemented slowly, no trumpet is not empty. Starting from selecting Intel chips, instead of IBM or Freescale and especially AMD. Previously, Mac users could not access many Windows-specific software programs. Switching to Intel chips will help them download Windows to the machine without the need for simulation software (which makes the machine much more sluggish).

However, everything has two sides. Along with expanding access to Windows users, Apple also has to accept that it will become a target to attract hackers. Well-known and well-known Macs will have to endure the same waves of viruses, worms, and Trojans as Windows does.

Reacting to this event, Microsoft was happy to welcome. "We are very happy that Apple customers love Windows so much, and it is great that Apple has responded to their needs."

With this unimaginable decision, it is unlikely that the "impossible" scenario as Vietnamnet analyzed yesterday, about a merger or handshake between Microsoft and Apple will happen. Let's wait and see.

Thien Y