Windows; Macintosh editionGo to: Index 
The story so far...On the 5th April 2006, something of significant irony happened to the Macintosh platform, affecting its viability for more people... Unlike the IBM PC that current Windows based PCs are a direct evolution of, the Macintosh has undergone a variety of major architectural transitions since its introduction. The latest in 2006 was for Macintosh computers to begin using Intel processors on an architecture very similar to the aforementioned IBM derived PCs we know and love/tolerate/despise today. See this Wikipedia article for the ifs, whys, and what fors of this latest transition. The side effect of this is that theoretically, these new design of Intel based Macs should not only be able to run its own Mac OS X operating system, but should also be able to run any operating system that 'normal' PCs could, including Windows. A few 3rd party hacks had a go at making it so, with some success. But then Apple made it semi-official... "How can you run Windows on a Mac?"A utility called 'Boot Camp', plus an upgrade to the EFI firmware to emulate a standard PC's BIOS, provides the facility for a Mac's hard disk to be partitioned, Windows to be installed, and provides the relevant Windows drivers for the Mac's standard hardware components. When completed, and Windows installed, the user then has the choice which operating system to boot into. This was later followed by virtualisation software, such as 'Parallels Desktop' or 'VMware Fusion', which allows any PC OS to run within Mac OS. Dual booting vs. virtualisation Each method offers the ability to run other operating systems – including Windows – on a Mac as well as OS X. But they do this in different ways that have their advantages and disadvantages... Dual booting pluses:
Dual booting minuses:
Virtualisation pluses:
Virtualisation minuses:
However, the good news overall is that with Parallels' and Fusion's ability to make use of a Boot Camp created second partition, you can swap between either method depending on circumstance. Go to: Index "But why? – Who's going to find a use for this?"Okay, so that's hopefully the, "How?" sorted out. What about the question of, "Why?" For the vast majority of circumstances for the vast majority of individuals, a Mac running only its own pre-installed Mac OS X operating system, will be all that's needed. But while a Mac owner is presumably a Mac owner for the very good reason that he or she likes and prefers them, there are downsides where even a Mac fan may find a use for Windows. Here is a look at some of those potential reasons: 1. Windows a necessity If you're the sort of person whose main needs are out of the mainstream, and you absolutely, positively have to use Windows only applications regularly, at least now you could include Macintosh hardware into your list of hardware brand choices. 2. Still handy to have Windows around If you've perhaps got (or seriously considered getting) a Mac, but you had to keep a Windows PC around, you can now amalgamate the two computers into one. For example:
3. A safety net If you're one of those people who have been Mac curious, or a Windows malcontent, but for whatever reason, have always chickened out of getting one, you now have a safety net:
Whatever the reason, having a PC capable of running multiple operating systems is a safety net. A Mac can be as much of a Windows PC as you need it to be or as often as you want it to be. But even if you decide Mac OS is not for you, or you perhaps find your ability to learn something new and different is beyond you, a Mac can now effectively be turned into a stylish, reasonably specced, Intel based Windows PC. That should alleviate most worries somewhat. Go to: Index "Any downsides?"As you've hopefully gathered, the ability to run Windows on a Mac does have its benefits, and it has made a Mac a much more viable option for some who would have previously avoided them in favour of a 'normal' Windows PC brand. But just like every silver lining, there are potential clouds: 1. Apple prices This functionality comes at a price. Apple prices. Okay, you do get a nice, well built, stylish PC, but if you're only in the market for a budget box, Apple doesn't really do boxes in that range. See also reason 3: 'Macs are too expensive' 2. Microsoft still wants a cut too Obviously, neither Boot Camp nor Parallels come with a copy of Windows included, and nor will Apple provide one. You'd need to provide your own copy. That will cost money. A retail copy of Windows is not cheap. That's assuming you will be buying a retail copy, won't you? Yes, of course you will, moral, upstanding citizen that you are... <ahem> 3. Memory constraints Having to devote hard drive space to an additional operating system, will take up several extra gigabytes. That leaves less room for your data and applications; which could be a significant issue for the lower spec Macs with smaller hard drives. 4. Security There is the risk that the malware issues that affects Windows, could potentially effect your previously relatively secure Mac OS partition. Just because you're using a Mac computer, you're still going to have to run the plethora of security software on the Windows environment. For a Mac user, that's unfamiliar, and unwelcome territory. See also reason 24 'Macs get viruses, just like PCs do' 5. Intel only Windows will only run natively on newer Intel based Macs. As such, the dual boot option will not work on any pre-Intel based Macs. For these PowerPC based Macs, there's still the virtualisation option offered by Microsoft's Virtual PC, but that is very much slower – emulating an alien architecture as it has to – and therefore of much less viability for many uses running an OS on native hardware solves. Go to: Index In summary...
Granted, the ability to run Windows may be of little interest to many existing Mac stalwarts, but for some – and particularly potential new Mac users – it's a useful tool. Not only for those who cannot ever move completely away from Windows, but also as a means of transition for potential new Mac users if they so desire that eventual Windows-less computing environment. It has undoubtedly debunked many of the rational reasons for everyday folk – and possibly even quite a few professional folk – why they cannot choose a Macintosh.
Go to: Index
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So to reiterate, the Macintosh is now the only PC that can natively, officially, and reliably run both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. That's got to be worth something to someone, somewhere!
