Apple software for Macs to run Windows

Apple Computer, in another move to reach out to a broader market, unveiled test software friendly to Microsoft's Windows XP.

Apple Computer, in another move to reach out to a broader market, unveiled test software on Wednesday that enables its Mac computers with Intel processors to run Microsoft's Windows XP operating system.

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Apple said that its software, called Boot Camp, is available for download starting on Wednesday, and that the application will be a feature in Leopard, the company's next major release of the Mac operating system.

The move marks another shift for Apple to reach out to computer users, the vast majority of whom use the Microsoft operating system.

Though Apple still sees itself as a major rival to Microsoft, it has made concessions to Windows users such as allowing them to use its wildly popular iPod music players and iTunes music store.

Apple first announced plans to begin using Intel processors in its Mac computers in June and the products began shipping in mid-January.

The company said the Boot Came software is a preview version licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited time. Apple also said it will not provide support for installing or running Boot Camp and noted it doesn't sell or support Windows software.

"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," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.