Apple Computer Inc. won't thwart users from loading Microsoft's Windows operating system onto its new Intel-based Macintosh computers -- but don't expect Apple to start offering a Mac running Windows.

Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, said in an interview Tuesday that the company won't sell or support Windows itself, but also hasn't done anything to preclude people from loading Windows onto the machines themselves.

``That's fine with us. We don't mind,'' Schiller said. ``If there are people who love our hardware but are forced to put up with a Windows world, then that's OK.'' ...

``Any new machines that are on the market that run Windows are great,'' said Scott Erickson, director of product management and marketing for Microsoft's Mac business unit.