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Apple has released an updated beta version of its Boot Camp software, which gives an Intel-based Macintosh the ability to run either Mac OS X or Windows XP.
The new version, called Boot Camp 1.1.1, can be found at the Cupertino, Calif., computer makers Web site.
The new version, released on Sept. 15, has been specifically updated for the line of iMac desktops that use Intels Core 2 Duo processors.
On Sept. 6, Apple and Intel announced that the 24-inch Mac would be powered by Intels new dual-core Core 2 Duo processor. Apple has also updated its 17-inch and 20-inch screen iMac models with the Core 2 Duo processor.
The Core 2 Duo, which succeeded Intels Core Duo, arrived on July 27.
The latest version of Boot Camp also offers a number of other features, including easier partitioning for Windows XP, the ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk, support for the iSight video camera and support for built-in microphones for Macs.
The latest version of Boot Camp is a 186MB download.
Although Boot Camp is available for Mac OS X Tiger v10.4.6, the software will be bundled in OS X Version 10.5 Leopard, which CEO Steven Jobs has said will be released in the Spring of 2007.
According to the Apple Web site, “you dont need to partition your hard drive again (unless you want to change its size) or reinstall your Macintosh and Windows software or documents, but its very important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new Macintosh Drivers for Windows CD and install the updated software it contains on Windows XP.”
Apple first began offering the beta version of Boot Camp on April 5, 2006. The software, along with the use of the Intel processors, was seen as a necessity for Apple to make its Mac line more appealing to traditional PC users.
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