14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Boot Camp Software Update 3.2 for Windows to add support for the ATI-Radeon HD 5870 graphics card, Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, and the MacBook Air SuperDrive. The update also packs fixes for a number of “critical” bugs, according to the Mac maker.
Boot Camp is a utility included with Apple’s Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) operating systems that assists users in installing Microsoft’s Windows operating system, or Linux on Intel-based computers.
Boot Camp includes a utility that guides users through non-destructive, re-partitioning of their hard drive (including resizing of an existing HFS+ partition, if necessary) and using the Mac OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard disc to install Windows drivers.
In addition to device drivers for the hardware, the disc includes an applet for the Windows control panel for selecting the boot operating system.
According to Apple, Boot Camp Software Update 3.2 for Windows adds support for the ATI-Radeon HD 5870 graphics card, Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, MacBook Air SuperDrive, and addresses critical bug fixes.
“This update is highly recommended for all Boot Camp 3.1 users,” the company says.
“If you have an Intel-based Mac and there‚s a PC application you need to use, you can run it using Boot Camp. You'll need to provide an authentic copy of Microsoft Windows but Boot Camp is included in Mac OS X Snow Leopard,” Apple explains.
Version 3.2 of the Boot Camp Software Update was posted to Apple’s Support / Downloads area on November 18, weighing in at 121.25 MB for the 64 bit version, and at 280.28 MB for the 32-bit release.
System Requirements include Windows XP, Windows Vista 32/ 64bit - SP2, Windown 7 32/64bit, and Boot Camp 3.1.