Reactions to MacWindows border on the euphoric to the hysterical

Reactions to MacWindows border on the euphoric to the hysterical

After the unthinkable scenario of seeing a Windows OS on a Mac was officially blessed by Apple courtesy its release of Boot Camp software, reactions have been wide and varied. While some analysts seem to think that this is an astute move by Apple, others mainly bloggers, are aghast that Apple could do such a thing.

Apple's move also assumes significance in the light of the fact that "virtualization" is fast becoming a necessity rather than a virtue. When viewed from this viewpoint, it makes sense to have Windows on a Mac, but after years of urging customers to think different, Apple's Windows saga does appear to be a concession if not an outright defeat.

As the New York Times said, "After long imploring computer users to "think different" and defining the Macintosh as a lone bulwark against the Windows onslaught, Apple Computer has decided to open the gate, at least a bit." But for some these are gates of hell since Windows brings with it the large number of viruses and worms that plague it continuously.

Mac was touted as the safest OS around, but to allow entry to Windows means to open up Apple to those numerous virus attacks. However, Apple has denied that it is taking its first step into the virtualization field with the release of Boot Camp.

"We are not providing a way to run Windows within OS X," Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman stressed. The move to allow Bill Gates to occupy some space on Job's workstation might end up benefiting both magnates. But the real question, according to the initial reactions anyway, is by how much?