If you've been counting on being able to run Windows on those new Intel-based Macs, Apple's not about to make it easy
for you -- despite Apple's
new
agreement with Microsoft not to block Windows on the new computers. According to Apple SVP Phil Schiller, the new
Macs announced yesterday (those being the Intel iMac and MacBook Pro) may not be able to run current versions of
Windows due to the fact that the computers will boot using the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), rather than a
traditional BIOS (current Power PC Macs use Open Firmware). EFI was developed by Intel and allows a number of advanced
features, including the ability to connect to the Internet from a command shell before the OS is loaded. Since EFI was
developed after Windows XP, it's not supported by the current or earlier version of Windows (it is, however, supported
by 64-bit versions, but the new Macs are 32-bit, so it's back to square one). However, all is not lost: Windows Vista
will support EFI. So, if you're a Vista beta tester and have ordered a new iMac or MacBookPro, get those install CDs
out; the rest of you will have to wait for the official Vista release, or find a way to hack XP to boot using EFI.
Tags: hardware, osupdates
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Comments
8
Subscribe to commentsJimmyJan 11th 2006 8:54PM
Is it just me or does this seem like a bonus for Apple? I know plenty of people that would spend the money to get Apple hardware that runs Windows. Seems like a good combo to me...
IanJan 11th 2006 10:24PM
Another reason why Intel is probably having a field day with these new Macs: for the first time, they have a way to put their latest and greatest schemes on the market without legacy PC platform conventions getting in the way. In the Windows world, Intel has to keep everything compatible with Windows, BIOS, various existing standards, and the whole array of PC vendors that can be slow to move, but Apple is more than willing to start from a clean slate and use the latest and greatest, no matter what.
boneyardJan 12th 2006 4:29AM
not officially perhaps, im sure it will be hacked on to it :)
paullusJan 12th 2006 9:33AM
i was all ready to purchase my first mac. Now I'm going to have to wait until Vista is released whenever that is. Apple just lost out on thousands of new sales. I'll still get one just not now.
MikeJan 12th 2006 12:27PM
Why not just way the few days (17 January) until the machines are actually available before believing what a sales guy says?
I'd also like to take this opportunity to complain about this website. I am very disappointed that all the freeware software stories are _only_ Windows software and I feel that Mac and Linux coverage has declined dramatically.
I don't use Windows and your stories about viruses, bugs and Microsoft's business escapades probably will give you a pretty good idea about why I don't use it.
How about going back to what you were like six-12 months ago? I don't mind Windows stories, I'd just like to occasionally see something relevant to the rest of us occasionally.
Thanks
phizmJan 12th 2006 8:02PM
Why in Gods name would ANYONE want to run Windows on a Mac?? Seriously I can't think of one reason.
Dan WarneJan 13th 2006 8:54AM
Intel Macs may be able to boot XP after all ... http://www.apcmag.com/apc/v3.nsf/0/64E7EA353646669ECA2570F50012430B
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