Group to Give $10 000 for Windows XP Boot on Macintosh

by Anton Shilov

[ 02/02/2006 | 11:09 PM ]

Despite of expectations, Apple’s Macintosh computers released recently cannot run Windows XP without hassles, which is why a Mac fan and a forced user of Windows XP engaged a contest that will grant more than $10 000 to the person who posts instructions how to boot the Microsoft operating system on an Intel-based Mac.

Under the terms of the contest, Intel Core Duo-based Macintosh must boot Windows XP, not Vista or any other version of the operating system, Windows must be able to coexist with Mac OS X and each system may not interfere with the operation of the other. Virtualization software such as Xen or VMWare must not be used. The first person to post complete instructions, including pictures of the boot process to The Forum will be the winner. Instructions will be peer reviewed once they are received and once the solution is guaranteed working, the prize money will be transferred via Paypal.

“My new Apple MacBook is shipping on the 15^th of February. I told my boss that this would replace my IBM desktop and I could boot Windows XP on it. I am still confident it can be done. I am giving $100 of my own money and offering anyone else who would like the instructions on how to Dual boot these two operating systems the ability to give some of their money into the pot as a prize for the person / group that can make dual-booting Mac OS X and Windows XP happen on an Intel Mac,” the Mac fan who launched the contest said.

Steve Jobs, the head of Apple Computer, said that the soul of the Macintosh is in the operating system.

• The Contest: Windows XP on an Intel Mac.