Leopard to run on Windows

Apple have announced that the next update to their Operating System - OS X Leopard - should allow Apple machines to run Windows XP as well.

Currently only in beta, the specific application that allows Apples to run Windows is called Boot Camp, and allows the user to choose between Apple OS X or Windows XP when the computer is started.

Apple have declared that they expect this application to be bundled with Mac OS X Leopard, which should be available from August.

The ability for Apple computers to run Windows is a major triumph for Apple, and potentially the biggest hardware/software story of the year.

This is because normally Windows users are trapped on normal PCs, and the software applications they are used to running will not often work on an Apple. This is especially the case for games and similar entertainment media.

The inclusion of Boot Camp with OS X Leopard will allow PC users to jump that gap - run their normal Windows applications as expected, but also be able to enjoy the Apple experience as well.

As someone who has been especially been torn between the abilities of the Apple Mac and their software packages, but with a continued reliance on Windows software, I can see myself saving up for an Apple machine already.