• Can't seem to install XP via BootCamp properly, getting errors like missing dlls and media errors?
• Boot up in Leopard and use the Boot Camp Assistant to create a FAT32 (max. 32GB) partition of your preferred size (notice the button that makes it convenient to do so). Bear in mind that FAT32's maximum size is 32GB.
• Follow the instructions in Leopard's Boot Camp Assistant: insert the XP CD and press the restart button (in BootCamp Assistant).
• Go through the XP installation procedure. When you arrive at the partition selection you will notice that there is a partition called C: BOOT CAMP. Use it.
• XP installer will now ask you what you want to do with it. You want to format it. I used the full format option (as opposed to quick) and chose NTFS instead, which works fine. YOU NEED TO FORMAT THE DRIVE. OS X can't access NTFS, so why would I prefer NTFS instead of FAT32? NTFS is a superior file system and can be accessed on OS X with MacFUSE and NTFS-3g for free. It's safe and resizeable too.

UPDATE: When using 10.6.x, NTFS is directly supported following this procedure: Open up Terminal, type

sudo nano /etc/fstab

then add

LABEL=name none ntfs rw

where 'name' is the name of your Win partition. Reboot to get native read/write access to your NTFS partition or external drive.

1. Install the OS and start patching!

• What about NTFS on the Mac? Try the free MacFUSE and NTFS-3g though the latter running on 10.6 requires that you do not use the 64-bit kernel. When on 10.6.x, it's best to use the native NTFS support as described above.

• Tired of erratic vertical two-finger scrolling using the track pad? Try ALT + two-fingers for smoother scrolling.

• Where's my middle-click on the track pad? two-fingers on the track pad + SPACE + track pad button

• What to do if you dislike the standard Apple keyboard layout on BootCamp? Try InputRemapper.

• How to backup your BootCamp (NTFS only) partition when Acronis won't let you? Try the free WinClone (running on OS X) (don't forget to support it's devs), NTFS only though. WinClone supports resizing BootCamp partitions too.

to be continued