FAQ: Windows on Macs

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What about security? Will running Windows on a Mac expose me to cyberattacks that target Windows users?
Yes. Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC. That means the system will be subject to the same attacks that are a scourge to the PC world. Be sure to keep your Windows installation updated with the latest Microsoft security fixes. Also, run security software such as antivirus, a firewall and anti-spyware tools.

Will this affect the Mac OS installation that's also on my system?
Probably not. While Apple did not respond when CNET News.com asked it this question, Ken Dunham, director of the rapid response team at security company iDefense, did.

"I've been told that by default, Windows will not be able to read the Mac OS X volume on the computer," he said. That would mean that attacks on the Windows part of the machine won't be able to penetrate to the Mac side. "The Windows computer will not by default have access to the Mac OS X volume."

Could any Mac threats affect the Windows side?
That is a remote but possible scenario, Dunham said. Depending on the file system that the Windows installation uses, the Mac OS X software will be able to read and write to the Windows partition.

"Crossover security threats between the Mac OS and Windows OS remain untested and unknown, but may (occur) since it is possible to read and write from the Mac OS to the Windows volume," he said.

What is this file system business?
File systems, such as Windows' current NTFS, make it possible for people and computer programs to find documents, photos and other data.

During installation on the Mac, the Windows XP installer will ask what file system to use to format the Windows partition. It can be NTFS or FAT. If the partition is larger than 32 GB, you can only format it using NTFS. Mac OS X can read and write FAT volumes, but can only read NTFS volumes.

Will Apple help me when I have Windows trouble?
No. Unlike other PC makers, such as Dell, Gateway or Hewlett-Packard, Apple does not sell or support Windows.

Will Apple at least support Boot Camp?
Again, you're mostly on your own. The current version of Boot Camp is a preview, or beta, version. It is licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited time only. Support is available on Apple's Web site, but the company does not provide technical phone support for using the Boot Camp beta, burning the driver's CD or installing Windows XP.

Apple plans to include the Boot Camp technology in the next major release of Mac OS X. That version, called Leopard, is scheduled for release either late this year or early next year.

Can I get help from Microsoft?
Most likely, yes. Microsoft includes limited support when you buy a copy of Windows XP in a store. Also, it offers free support related to security incidents, such as spyware infestations on your system and virus infections. In the U.S., call 1-866-727-2338.

Can I now also run Mac OS X on my standard, Intel-based PC?
Apple has said that it will take steps to prevent this from happening. "We will not allow running Mac OS X on anything other than an Apple Mac," Phil Schiller, company senior vice president, said in a June interview. The company has not gone into specifics, but appears to be using a TPM (trusted protection module) chip as part of its authentication mechanism.

Where do I get Boot Camp?
A preview version is available for free download. However, the Mac maker cautions people to not use it on systems in a commercial operating environment or with important data. You should back up all of your data before installing Boot Camp, it recommends.

[M C]

Joris - congrats on getting through an Apple story...

...with only a few backhanded slaps! I know the page views will probably suffer when you can't start a flame war in the comments, but the writing sure is better!

[jbelzman]

Can you access media across OS's?

Since you have to partition your HD to install XP on a Mac, can you access files pics, video, music, etc) located on the partition opposite the one you've booted to?

[Xiibo]

Apple can read windows, but not windows...

Apple has always been able to read the file format that Windows uses. However, Windows cannot read anything that is formatted for a Mac. Therefore, in OSX, you should be able to see and access data in the windows partition along with the Mac partition. But in Windows, you will only see the windows partition. Hence the concern for vulnerabilities of malicious apple software affecting a windows partition. But with the security of OSX, I don't see that happening anytime soon. But don't expect to be able to install a windows program and then access it from OSX. It won't work. Strictly for media and file access.

[Redhats Q]

With planning yes, but don't expect too much

If you choose fat32 the on formating option in the XP install, then mac os will see the XP hard drive and you can read and write to it. If NTFS is chosen the windows drive will be XP only.

From windows however the mac drive does not show as there is no support for the HFS+ format in XP. I thought there were 3rd party apps that added this functionality, but I cant seem to find any. Its a piy as this is the only limit to the dual boot idea.

There are 2 reasons I think this is still too cool for words. I will never let the Mac loose on the net while running windows, but the ability to run XP on the mac hardware means I can use this to play windows Games (and Very well) and most importantly my technical apps that are windows only can be run on one machine. Once I have the job finished and the results saved on my hard drive, reboot back to my nice safe Mac OS X and email them to whoever, and enjoy he stability and safety that as a mac user I need.

Now if 10.5 adds virtualisation and I can have both options ....

Ok off now to mop up the drool

Yes my next laptop will now be a Mac.

[Redhats Q]

With planning yes, but don't expect too much

If you choose fat32 the on formating option in the XP install, then mac os will see the XP hard drive and you can read and write to it. If NTFS is chosen the windows drive will be XP only.

From windows however the mac drive does not show as there is no support for the HFS+ format in XP. I thought there were 3rd party apps that added this functionality, but I cant seem to find any. Its a piy as this is the only limit to the dual boot idea.

There are 2 reasons I think this is still too cool for words. I will never let the Mac loose on the net while running windows, but the ability to run XP on the mac hardware means I can use this to play windows Games (and Very well) and most importantly my technical apps that are windows only can be run on one machine. Once I have the job finished and the results saved on my hard drive, reboot back to my nice safe Mac OS X and email them to whoever, and enjoy he stability and safety that as a mac user I need.

Now if 10.5 adds virtualisation and I can have both options ....

Ok off now to mop up the drool

Yes my next laptop will now be a Mac.

[feranick]

MS OEM EULA

A reminder is due here: You cannot use the Windows XP installation CD that came with your windows-preinstalled box. That copy is to be used only with that machine and you cannot install it in your brand new MacIntel. You will need to buy a full version to be compliant with MS OEM EULA. Sure you can install the OEM version, but it's ILLEGAL. Just as a reminder, WinXP Home costs 199USD, while WinXP Pro costs 299USD (microsoft.com).

[ackmondual]

re: MS OEM EULA

meh, I doubt ppl even browse through those EULAs in the first place let alone read them, but we'll see what transpires in the months to come.

[a_harry_h]

Mac OS on x86

I think Apple are crazy not to port OS X to WinTel gear, this would be a true alternative to Windows and Linux. They must have some deal with Microsoft that prevents them, otherwise it makes no sense to limit OSX to just Apple H/W. Look at the success of iPOD - once they went PC and MAC they had a best seller.

[Redhats Q]

While I agree, I wont hold my breath .. yet

Even Steve Jobs is on record that not releasing mac OS for intel machines was apples greatest mistake, but apple now has too much to loose. Apple is a HARDWARE company. The ipod makes money, not itunes, or ITMS. the software is given away to add value to the hardware.

With dual boot apple hardware is unique in that it does both windows and MAC OS. If they open the OS, the harware advantage is gone and apple must compete with dell (where's the money in that).

Steve is no fool, I am sure its an option in the back up plans, but for now its his ace, and he's keeping it well up his sleeve.

If he span off OSX the software division would make money and the hardware division would have trouble. Besides Mac OS or not, how could you live with a room of ugly dell boxes.

The current plan is fine. Hardware that runs OSX and then when you have no choice use windows, Then back to the good life.

Steve is following the IPOD model. Sell hardware and make it work with the OS that people want to use.... Both of them. (I'm waiting for the Linux Hack)

[Redhats Q]

With planning partly, but dont expect too much

If you choose fat32 the on formating option in the XP install, then mac os will see the XP hard drive and you can read and write to it. If NTFS is chosen the windows drive will be XP only.

From windows however the mac drive does not show as there is no support for the HFS+ format in XP. I thought there were 3rd party apps that added this functionality, but I cant seem to find any. Its a piy as this is the only limit to the dual boot idea.

There are 2 reasons I think this is still too cool for words. I will never let the Mac loose on the net while running windows, but the ability to run XP on the mac hardware means I can use this to play windows Games (and Very well) and most importantly my technical apps that are windows only can be run on one machine. Once I have the job finished and the results saved on my hard drive, reboot back to my nice safe Mac OS X and email them to whoever, and enjoy he stability and safety that as a mac user I need.

Now if 10.5 adds virtualisation and I can have both options ....

Ok off now to mop up the drool

Yes my next laptop will now be a Mac.