Apple’s Boot Camp Public Beta page has been removed and now redirects to the Mac OS X Leopard “New Features” page for Boot Camp.
The Boot Camp download is no longer available from Apple, but it can still be had via third-party sites such as MacUpdate, VersionTracker, and others.
MacDailyNews Note: The pending expiration has always been indicated in the license agreement for Boot Camp Beta. On September 25th, Apple posted a reminder via a technical support document (306583) which stated that some versions of the Boot Camp beta software have already expired and that the latest version will expire when Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard ships in October.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Spark” for the heads up.]
Awe. I like free.
Just my $0.02
Ah, I’m sensing the whiners will get an energy boost from this one…let the grousing commence!
Or, just go buy Parallels and quitcher bellyachin’…
Best strategic move Apple ever made. I helped 39 people switch because of BootCamp.
I helped 69 people switch because of Parallels.
@@Jim… yeah, I’d have to admit that Parallels owns some of those 39 conversions from winblows… but bootcamp started the stampede.
MDN word is “bill” as in Bill Gates must be crapping bricks with the recent apple surge.
I helped 4 people switch just because MAC is better.
I helped 70 people switch because of Parallels.
Free is good, $0.02 ain’t bad.
Prediction, next MDN story:
AAPL Closes At New Record High
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Parallels is not the end-all solution for everyone wanting/needing access to Windows. Boot Camp is one of the reasons that I as a law student am able to use Mac for my exams. Our computers have to be a Windows box so that the exam software may lock down the PC and not allow any open applications/programs/internet other than what is allowed. Parallels and other solutions (VMware, Crossover, etc.) don’t allow for this because it’s just an open window. You can still access the Mac OS which would make it easy for cheating. Boot Camp on the other hand does allow for the lock, because essentially once logged in that way – you are indeed on a “true” windows box. This is just one example why one might prefer/need Boot Camp.
So instead of bitching about potential whiners why don’t you just embrace the fact that not everyone works the same way you do.
Signed,
Quityer bellyachin’
@ Gandalf
…again.
I helped 9 people switch with the help of Chuck Norris
I helped over 100 billion…. no…not really…
I helped myself to a parallel universe (according to witnesses at the scene).
I’m wondering if current Boot Camp installs will be preserved with a Leopard update. I’m sure someone here knows.
@Dr Evil
LOL, perhaps it’s because I’m at work all on my own having what I like to call a ‘creative break’ for 10 mins that I can really LOL.
Just what I needed. :- )
@ Spark
From Apple Leopard web site:
Already running Boot Camp?
Even easier.
If you’re already working with Boot Camp Beta, you’re practically finished before you start. All you need is some new drivers. To install them, simply start up your Mac in Windows and update the drivers from the Leopard DVD.
Thanks Jeremy. I knew someone could save me the trouble of actually looking it up.
Mr. (or Ms.) Bellyachin’ –
Wow – did I say Parallels was the ONLY alternative? Nope. I just tossed that out as an option. I think this decision by Apple will only add fuel to that poorly smoldering fire of those whiners who think they are entitled to keep something free forever and ever once it’s out there, when it was clearly stated all along by Apple that what they were offering was a BETA and would be EXPIRING, meaning, no longer free. I’m betting we’ll see a standalone option for BootCamp that will be for sale not long after Leopard ships.
So, what are you gonna do? Buy Leopard and continue using Boot Camp? Great. Go ahead. This may also cause some others (not necessarily YOU) to look at Parallels or perhaps something else. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee. But it’s your choice – except the part about using the BETA forever – NOT your choice. Sorry. And what is disappointing is the lame “Why are they doing this to us!” song and dance – it’s sad and pathetic. But I don’t expect my few utterances to stop it. Boy, wouldn’t THAT be some power!
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FWIW, it was the same thing with .Mac – it started out as a free service, remember? Then they started charging for it. Seems to have worked out for many who choose to pay for it.
Oh, and if I can’t bitch and moan about whiners, then what good is this feedback section for, anyway, hmmmm??? Insightful and erudite discussion? Witty repartee? Social commentary?
I agree with BuriedCeasar. We Americans were born to bitch. It’s our fundamental right. And we’re really good at it.
Wow – did I say that Boot Camp should remain a beta forever? Did I say anything about cost? Did I say anything about not purchasing Leopard. Did I even ask the question of “why are they doing this to us?” NOPE. I just tossed out one example as to why some people would prefer/need Boot Camp over the options available since I read your words “Or, just go buy Parallels and quitcher bellyachin’….” to mean you thought that would solve the “whiners” problem.
FWIW, I have known that Boot Camp would expire for quite some time. It’s sole purpose for being on my computer is final exams – something that only takes up 2 weeks out of an entire year so Boot Camp isn’t terribly important as I can always borrow a Windows machine. I also plan on purchasing Leopard when it is released, it looks purty. I can’t wait to buy it. Can you?
Oh, and the policy that allows you to express your opinions (or bitch if you prefer), that same policy is extended to all. If I can’t get you all riled up and offer another viewpoint then what good is MDN comments hmmmm?
Signed,
Ms. Quityer Bellyachin’
Ms. Bellyachin…
Well said. Seems we agree on the right to bellyache. This is why I LOVE this site. Fun and frivolity nearly always ensues, with a little sour grapes mixed into the give and take from time to time.
After all, you did rather implicitly state that this situation would affect you directly rather than just “some people”, which is what helped frame my second response…
And, sadly, I will have to wait until a new Mac graces my desk. I have an old workhorse of a machine – a Dual USB 14″/800 iBook that’s going strong on five years old now, which, unless an option comes along like XPostFacto that would allow me to install Leopard, I’m going to be left behind for a little while – will certainly motivate me to get a new machine…
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If Apple keeps meddling in politics, Boot Camp will help people switch back to Windows as well.
Glad we can put all this bellyachin’ behind us. LOL This was my very post on MDN and I must say it was quite entertaining. Thanks for “welcoming” me to the comments section. Hope Leopard doesn’t leave you too far behind.
Well, then, welcome to the madness that is, and always has been, MDN! As I’m sure you have already seen, the direction that comments can take on this site can sometimes get pretty wild.
Just one last thing — I would heartily encourage you to come up with your own “Comment From” name…
…or is it TwistedMacFreak
?
,w magic word: church – I miss some of the old crazies here at church.