DCE is short for Desktop Composition Engine which is the video-accelerated graphics engine in Longhorn which will be a part of the Aero User Interface. A few screenshots and video available here.
Security experts are monitoring widespread use of exploit code that takes advantage of a recently disclosed vulnerability in Windows. A worm, although anticipated, hasn't yet been spotted.
Microsoft Corp is doing a U-turn on its Longhorn roadmap, with plans for a server operating system version alongside the long-expected client due in 2006. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed Friday that there will be a Longhorn server sometime after the company delivers the Longhorn client OS.
Majorgeeks.com has posted a link to an unofficial independent release of a Service Pack for Windows 98SE. While it does introduce some fixes and additional support, it is important to note that this is not official software.
"The battle to create and own a proprietary industry standard generates rapid improvements in price and performance, at least until somebody emerges totally dominant. If fact, even after a monopolist emerges, there is still considerable pressure to innovate, because unless you can induce your installed base to upgrade frequently, you have a hard time continuing to grow." More at streamingmedia.com.
A least privileged environment is going to significantly increase the security of the "Longhorn" Windows platform. Get started today by writing managed code, first of all, and when building desktop applications, make them LUA (Logical Unit Application programming interface) compliant.
Mike Deem provides a quick look at the basic concepts of the WinFS data access API: objects based on schemas, powerful query support and support for WinFS concepts such as relationships.
Learn about what is new in Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software from a developer's point of view. MSMobiles also has more info, links and screenshots of the SE version of Windows Mobile 2003.
CRN is reporting that May will be the release date of the second release candidate of Windows XP SP2. Microsoft executives speak of integrating more features into the new service pack, including a spyware tool. More detials here.
Longhorn's arrival will indeed be monumental, as their research teams are finally producing something worthwhile. The OSS world has much to do in preparation for this release; this version of Microsoft's OS will not simply offer trivial UI "enhancements" that appeal to users, as it has done in the past - they are really targeting both users and developers very forcefully this time around.
With increased laptop, notebook, and Tablet PC sales, Microsoft recognizes the value of improving mobile PC use. Longhorn will emphasize a number of mobility scenarios that application developers should be aware of as they design Longhorn-compatible software.
The antitrust investigation into Microsoft's activities lasted nearly half a decade, but by the time regulators finally came to a landmark conclusion, Microsoft had already established its position and the rival product was all but defunct. Microsoft released on Tuesday fixes that cover at least 20 Windows flaws, several of which could make versions of the operating system vulnerable to new worms or viruses.
From ActiveWin: Adam Kinney, a known blogger in the Avalon community, tells us of his experiences getting started with Longhorn, and what's working and what's not. Elsewhere, Joe Beda, development lead on the Avalon/Longhorn team, talks about the 3D capabilities that will be delivered in Longhorn.
To get the already-delayed follow-up to Windows XP out the door by 2006, it has decided to omit some of the most ambitious features, including WinFS over network.
Microsoft acknowledged today its investigation into the illegal use of an activation key generator for enterprise software including Windows Server 2003.
"Windows Update Services is an example of how Microsoft is making good on its promise to continue to improve security and increase automation around the patching and updating experience," Microsoft's Steve Anderson told TechNewsWorld.
Here's how to use an ADSI-based script to search for domain users; how to use the Hyena utility to quickly find out which user on your network has a particular file open; and how to quickly locate all machines that have automatic logon enabled in their registry.
