Apple's new Intel Macs can now officially run Windows. The computer company today introduced a public beta of Boot Camp, software that lets licensed users of Microsoft Windows XP install Windows on their Intel-based Macs. The result is a computer that can boot Mac OS X or Windows.

The Internet community has been feverishly trying to create just such a chimera since Apple announced its Intel-based Macs in January. One site, OnMac.net, went so far as to offer a bounty to the first person to accomplish the feat. A winner was announced on March 16.As one poster on Slashdot.org wryly observed today, "Steve Jobs just missed out on winning $12,000 in the boot XP on a Mac contest!!! And you know the dude needs the cash since he is only paid $1 a year as Apple's CEO. I bet he is just kicking himself right now."

More like he's smiling as he opens the door to increased market share among businesses and gamers. Microsoft comes out ahead, too--users don't get Windows for free. And whether computer users buy beige boxes or Apple hardware, Intel gets paid. The real loser here may be Dell (which has been making noticeable strides to make its computers more aesthetically competitive with Macs).