Here's what else you should know.

What was actually announced Wednesday? Apple released software called Boot Camp that allows its newest Intel-based computers to run Windows XP natively. The free public beta is 83MB and can be downloaded from Apple's Web site. It is available without technical support "for a limited time."

What models of Apple computers actually run Boot Camp? Only Apple systems with Intel chips will run the software. So far this year, the company has released several Intel-based models: The Mac mini, the 15-inch MacBook Pro laptop and two versions of the all-in-one desktop iMac. Apple also notes that you need a computer with a built-in or USB keyboard and a built-in trackpad or USB mouse. In other words, wireless keyboards and mice don't work -- at least not yet.

What else do I need to run Boot Camp? You need Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later. Apple updated Mac OS X a few days ago, so run Software Update if you haven't done so recently. You also need the latest firmware update available for your Intel-based Mac, at least 10GB of free space on your startup disk and a full, single-disc version of Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, as well as a blank CD. The CD will be used to create Macintosh software drivers.

I've got an earlier version of Windows XP. Will that work? No. Apple is very clear on this point. "Your Windows XP installation disc must include Service Pack 2 (SP2). You cannot install an earlier version of Windows and upgrade it to Windows XP, nor install an earlier version of Windows XP and update it with SP2 later."