Is it legal to run Windows on the Mac?

Yes, provided that one purchases the copy of Windows that is installed.

This was a question asked more frequently when creative hackers made it possible to run Windows XP on the Intel-based Macs, but yes, it is legal to run Windows on Intel-based Macs using the open-source "XOM hack", Apple's Boot Camp, and software programs from Parallels, VMWare, and others.

Does Apple pre-install Windows on Intel-based Macs?

Apple does not pre-install Windows on Intel-based Macs.

However, some Apple Authorized Resellers, including site sponsor PowerMax, can install Boot Camp and Windows upon request when purchasing a new system. PowerMax does not charge for the installation time, just for the cost of the Windows operating system.

Does Apple support running Windows on the Mac? Does Microsoft?

For the beta version of Boot Camp, Apple provided no support for Boot Camp or Microsoft Windows. For the final version of Boot Camp 2.0 provided with MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard", the company notes:

Apple does not provide technical phone support for installing, using, or recovering Microsoft Windows. Support is available for using Boot Camp Setup Assistant, as well as installing or restoring Boot Camp software while booted into Windows. Support articles and discussions may also be available on Apple's support website.

Microsoft will provide the same level of technical support for any other copy of Windows purchased retail provided that you are able to successfully install Windows using Boot Camp.

Where can I buy Windows for an Intel-based Mac?

You cannot purchase a commercial version of Windows specifically to install on an Intel-based Mac, but you can purchase a retail copy of Windows XP or Windows Vista and install the operating system using any of the programs available.