Windows Archive

In their keynotes at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference, Jim Allchin and Bill Gates plan to stress the value of melding hardware and software innovation, as well as demonstrating what some of Microsoft's new technologies can do. In the meantime, Bill Gates confirms that there will be no AMD Windows 64 until Q4, but he calls for 64-bit software support.

Microsoft Corp. said on Monday that retail and new PC sales of Windows XP, its flagship operating system, have grown to more than 210 million copies since the product was launched two and a half years ago. The world's largest software maker also unveiled on Monday the latest version of its anti-piracy software for digital files, music and movies, which it said would work with a wider class of online services and devices. In the meantime, a new generation of PCs based on Microsoft's next operating system won't arrive until perhaps 2006, but engineers at a conference in Seattle this week will learn how to build the new machines.

This critical update for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 enhances the stability and performance of Media Center Edition 2004 and resolves these issues.

According to WinBeta, Windows XP Service Pack 2 has just been pushed back a bit further than originally expected. These delays will effect both the second Release Candidate along with the Release to Manufacturing/Release to Web. The following are the new expected delivery dates: RC2: May 26th, 2004 (previous date was May 12th) and RTM: July 21st, 2004 (previous date was June 23rd). However, MSFN has different dates to report.

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.

"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.

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.

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 Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Platform Software Development Kit (SDK) contains the information you need to develop applications for Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

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.