Apple Leopard ready to pounce

Stan Beer
Monday, 07 August 2006 10:07

Your IT - Home IT

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has promised Windows users that there will never be another five year delay between operating systems. However, with Apple's new Mac OS X version Leopard looming, the damage may well already be irreparable.

A closed platform like the Mac is never likely to make it in a big way in the business space. Microsoft's biggest worry on that front is Linux. However, with Mac OS X now able to coexist with Windows on Mac boxes, using dual boot tools like Boot Camp or virtualization systems like Parallels and soon VMware, the Mac becomes an increasingly attractive proposition for home users.

The new version of Mac OS X, dubbed Leopard, is due to be previewed today at the Apple developer's conference in San Francisco. Ahead of its showing, pundits are speculating that it will demonstrate features that are ahead of anything Microsoft has incorporated into Windows Vista.

Regardless of whether Leopard turns out to be the operating system of the future, it is clear that by moving to Intel Apple has reinvigorated the interest of consumers in the Mac as an alternative to a Windows only PC.

This is partly because as more members of the family incorporate computers in their day to day activities - who still uses phone books these days - there is an increasing need for plug and play systems. Another factor is that buying a Mac no longer locks users out of the Windows world. For that matter, with virtualization becoming popular, Mac users can also operate in the Linux world if they so desire.

One of the reasons that Microsoft was able to transition Windows from the business space to the home is that people often needed to take work home and vice versa. However, that's no longer a problem with the new multi-platform Macs.

The word is that Leopard will incorporate the Boot Camp dual boot tool. If so, this offers a clear gloves off indication that Apple is ready to make an all out effort to win Windows users and it is doubtful whether Apple gives two hoots at this stage whether its Macs are Vista capable or premium ready or not.