If I had written an entry with this headline on April 1, everyone would have assumed it was a big ol’ joke for the geekerati. I may have even had people call me nuts for even suggesting such a thing. But no, it’s not a joke, it is in fact exactly what Apple has gone and done: new software from my favorite company will allow you to run Windows XP™ on an Intel-based Mac, like the diminutive Mac mini. The software is named Boot Camp and is available as a public beta.

Of course, as Apple notes on the Boot Camp website:

Windows running on a Mac is like Windows running on a PC. That means it’ll be subject to the same attacks that plague the Windows world. So be sure to keep it updated with the latest Microsoft Windows security fixes.

And never let it be said that Apple doesn’t enjoy taking a good swipe at long-time partner Microsoft. The Boot Camp website also snarks:

Macs use an ultra-modern industry standard technology called EFI to handle booting. Sadly, Windows XP, and even the upcoming Vista, are stuck in the 1980s with old-fashioned BIOS. But with Boot Camp, the Mac can operate smoothly in both centuries.

Man, you have to love Apple.