Apple's Macintosh powered with Windows XP

Apple on Wednesday has turned heads with the release of a new software patch called Boot Camp software, which will enable Intel-based Macintosh computers to install and run Windows XP. The public beta of new software is available as a download beginning today.

California-based Apple said in June 2005 that it would shift to microprocessors made by Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, from those made by IBM. The new move is to shift entire Mac line to Intel chips by the end of 2007.

Boot Camp a powerful product, yet easy to use will let users with a Windows XP installation disc install Windows XP on an Intel-based Mac computer. Once installation is complete, users can restart their computer and switch to either Mac OS X or Windows.

Boot Camp will be a feature in “Leopard", Apple's next major release of Mac OS X, that will be previewed at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in August.

"Apple has no desire or plan to sell or support Windows, but many customers have expressed their interest to run Windows on Apple's superior hardware now that we use Intel processors. We think Boot Camp makes the Mac even more appealing to Windows users considering making the switch." Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement.

Shares of Apple rose nearly 3 percent in premarket trade Wednesday.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store