The Three Pillars of Longhorn
Avalon
Avalon is the code name for a variety of presentation class libraries that will be deployed as a common front end for all newly-developed Windows client applications, documents and graphics, which can be represented in either two or three dimensions.
It supports the XAML, which is similar in nature to XML and enables developers to compile code on the fly. It also means that user interfaces can be written separately from the underlying business logic.
Avalon will appear for use with Longhorn at the same time as the client version of the operating system in the second half of 2006 or slightly before, but will also now be made available as a download from Microsoft's Web site for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The first Community Technology Preview was released last November and an update is due to appear this month.
Indigo
Indigo is the code name for a set of class libraries that provide the communications infrastructure to allow different .Net components to talk to each other. It combines support for Web services development; Microsoft's COM+ object model; MSMQ messaging; peer-to-peer communications, and .Net remoting (enabling client applications to use objects found in other processes) in one environment.
Indigo will appear for use with Longhorn at the same time as the client version of the operating system or slightly before, but will also now be made available as a download from Microsoft's Web site for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The first Community Technology Preview was released earlier this month.
Avalon + Indigo = WinFX
Avalon and Indigo taken together comprise WinFX, Microsoft's new object-oriented application programming interface, which the vendor is positioning as a superset of the .Net framework.
WinFS
WinFS is the code name for a new unified Windows storage subsystem, which is intended to enable users to undertake searches based on the metadata of any stored item, no matter what type of file format it has or which type of application created it.
The technology was originally supposed to appear in the client version of Longhorn, but will now only be available in beta release in this timescale. It will also ship for Windows XP, but not for Windows Server 2003. This is consistent with former Microsoft announcements that there would delays to the server version of WinFS.
But as to what the technology will eventually look like in either client or server form is currently unclear as the vendor refuses to commit to firm details.
WinFS has been compared to the much-derided Cairo version of Windows, which was announced in 1992 and supposed to include a new user interface and Object File System data store to store files and documents in any format, but never made the light of day. The technology is expected to emerge in some form, however, although it currently appears to be somewhat of a moveable feast.
Talkback
You asked, so I'll answer...
"NO" !
Microsoft products are always overhyped.
I still use Windows 98/NT and in rare cases 2000.
When Microsoft reeeeally has something that I "NEED" then I'll switch.
Until Mickeysoft shows me something I HAVE TO HAVE (as in "I" want it) I'll stick with what I have.
And since I am in charge of what my company does with computers, I will never allow anything newer from them in this building!
And since there's no such thing anymore as using Microsoft's software without them having all your info on record, I'll probably never switch over. I STILL believe I have the right to use someone's software without having to have a RELATIONSHIP with the software creator.
I don't need calls from them asking why I'm not constantly buying their lastest crap, or if I'm interested in new crap.
The only thing that's "reducing prices" are an increasing number of alternative solutions out there that certain people dont want you to know about. Let alone experience fully.
Pretty simple for me really, im a home user and although business is where ms makes its money most home users have living rooms, and that's where ms wants to expand in.
for me i want prettier graphics, of course all of the pillars as described but as long as i get vector graphics/icons and a cool and customisable new interface with stickkies then im happy
think about it xp will be 5yrs old, the way the industry has come on with mobile devices, 3d screens, water cooling, wireless and security it will be a no brainer - can't wait!!
Just switch to Linux. Make your own decisions about when and how to upgrade. Take control of your life.
I, too, am a home user. I don;lt wnat cute graphics. I want a steady OS that will run the programs I've already got and an occasional new one. And I don't want to ring up anyone for permission about anything. So I'm using win2000, but may go back to win98, because some new programs refuse to load on win2000 unless you have Service Packs installed and I don't want them either.