Windows Archive

"I'm not sure what to think about Longhorn yet. On the one hand, it looks like it will potentially be a truly revolutionary new version of Windows that has all kinds of new potential built into it. On the other hand, it looks like it could be made into the most proprietary operating system ever. One in which only Microsoft can extend or do anything meaningful to it." Read the editorial by Stardock's Brad Wardell.

WindowSizer was just released, a tiling window manager for Microsoft Windows: It picks up where the Tile Windows command leaves off. Useful for viewing multiple application windows. Resizing one window resizes others to maintain a no gap, no overlap efficient workspace. Swap window positions in arrangement with drag and drop. Save common work arrangements to bring back when you like.

Muglia, a 16-year veteran of Microsoft, is tasked with building Longhorn Server, likely the most complex operating system ever designed. What's more, Muglia must keep a long train of updates and service packs for older versions of Windows rolling off the production line. He sat down with CNET News.com to talk about Longhorn, the evolving Linux threat and how Microsoft builds Windows.

As Microsoft works to get the Windows client and server security packs out the door, it's also pushing the software's existing authentication and access control facilities--namely, public key infrastructure (PKI) and digital rights management services (RMS)--to get customers to batten down the hatches.

This guide is all about optimizing XP. Version 5.0 has more changes than any previous version. The changes include: Tweaking levels added,Bad Tweaks section, Page file section improved, Services section completely revamped, Additions and subtractions to every section.

It's looking more like the next-generation Windows Server, code-named Longhorn, will get key orchestration features derived from BizTalk Server. Microsoft is working on workflow and orchestration technology, called the Windows Orchestration Engine (WinOE), for the Longhorn/Orcas time frame, several sources familiar with the company's plans said. The technology manages how processes or software services interact in distributed systems. Elsewhere, Microsoft will 'componentize' both the client and server versions of Windows Longhorn, its next-generation platform.

The software giant announced plans to release the Windows Template Library (WTL) project on SourceForge under an externally created open-source license. The WTL is a lightweight windowing C++ (define) template library that allows the creation of simple Windows GUI interfaces on Windows apps.

NeoWin has posted the roadmap for Windows Server versions. Notice in the screenshot the "Virtual Server", which probably will include an integrated runtime engine to run multiple Windows on the same machine (for similar purposes to what IBM does with Linux). Update: Neowin removed the story but the roadmap image is still up (for now). To view the image you need to manually copy/paste its URL to your browser's address bar. Direct linking won't work. Update 2: The story is back up.

The ballyhooed "slate" version of the Tablet PC platform pioneered by Microsoft looks to be a victim of a desire to fold "electronic ink" technologies into ordinary notebook PCs.

Patch management could easily be called the bane of every administrator's existence, the pain in the rear of system management, or that never ceasing headache that pounds at CIOs everywhere. Here are three articles on the topic, Part 1, 2 and 3.

Microsoft plans to announce on Monday that its Media Center OS is moving into new countries, even as the software maker works to make the entertainment software more ready for prime time.

According to Computer Times, Microsoft will allow SP2 to be installed on any copy of Windows XP including copies with invalid license keys. Microsoft decided "that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue." There is no news of whether or not pirated copies will be allowed access to the Windows Update site afterwards or just allowed to install SP2.

"This build did feel more solid overall and was a lot of fun to play with. But users will be looking for value beyond fun factor. If Microsoft can address some of the performance issues we've seen, then we'll feel much more bullish about Longhorn" writes ExtremeTech in their preview of Longhron.

From internetnews.com: "Microsoft's technology evangelist is offering "friendly" suggestions to Mozilla open source browser groups and calling for more discussion about how the two sides can benefit from upcoming enhancements in Longhorn, the next version of Windows." Read more at internetnews.com. Here's a really interesting excerpt from Robert Scoble's blog.