Microsoft is also releasing a test version of the next server operating system. How far along is that? Is it behind the development of the desktop OS?
We are doing a server release at the same time, but again, it's really foundation-level, about the same sort of stuff I talked about at the client. It's sort of the mirror image of that. We came up with a way to 'componentise' the system so you can run less software in certain roles. We don't have any of the final role management tools in Beta 1 or anything.
But in terms of who I think (will be interested), I think that if you're an IT professional and you're interested in the deployment aspects, then you're going to be interested in either the client or server, because it's the same basic technology that is being used there. So that's who I think would be the most interested. And is it behind? I don't know. We have a lot of features to put in both products still, so I don't know how to judge that.
Microsoft is working on the OneCare antivirus package, including the anti-spyware program that's in beta now. Would you consider building some of those security technologies directly into Windows Vista?
OneCare is a separate product. I think we've been very clear that we are going to improve security and safety into Vista in a pretty big way.
Is there anything in Windows Vista specific to spam fighting?
I'm not sure if there's any OS-level changes. In Beta 1 we put in spam filtering in OE. The filters are plumbed automatically. So, yeah, you can take a look at that in Beta 1.
What is Microsoft doing at this point, where are you in terms of encouraging software developers to write applications that specifically take advantage of Vista's new features? Where are you, and what are some of the next steps in that area?
Well, the big next step is the Professional Developers Conference. We will lay out the things, the features that we think people should take advantage of.
In terms of betas, is the beta for WinFS (the Windows File Storage update that was pulled from Longhorn) still timed for around the release to market of Windows Vista?
Yes, currently.
Talkback
As usual, think before you do and certainly before SP1 has been mass installed in plenty of operational environments worldwide. Or haven't you learned and experienced anything by know?
I like the question about the on/off state of the computer, I some some R&D in MS that allows a user to turn off the computer and all the windows, their positions, history, documents etc... remained as is so when loading up again it was as if I had never left (great if I need to cook my dinner for an hour or so). I would expect when leaving the computer still on but not functioning that the whole idea of a computer eHome server always-on theory comes into play, everyones heard about controlling and monotoring the home from a portable device remotely but this requires the PC to be on even when out, so this could go some one to that.
Seem as though I will not be able to test the new OS anytime along its development cycle it would be nice to have an official forum on the MS site so users can ask questions and possibly request actions taken, but I guess in Vistas early stages that's not viable, but a forum all the same would be nice.
Samuel, UK
P.S. well done ZDnet for getting this interview
KDE for *nix has the 'restore session' functions (browser & apps open where you left them) that Samuel mentions - it's surprising MS have not caught up there. I believe the next IE will have tabbed browsing, another nice feature MS have been slow about implementing.
It will be interesting to see if Vista has any completely original features not seen elsewhere before? (this is not meant in a sarcastic way)
The beta is pretty cool. It has some hefty bugs, but what does one expect at this stage? My favourite aspect is the ability to drag a slider up & down to control the size that icons are displayed in an explorer window. And if you choose Picture view, it shows an open folder with 'pages' containing your JPG files or whatever.
Very promising seeing as it's only a developer beta.
There were a lot of words missed out in this interview as large areas made no sense. unless ZDNET just took them out jim allchin has to have a poor grasp of english or a very racey thought process.
Did Jim Alchin REALLY say ....but also to allow major changes to be made by malicious sortware!!
If so we may have worse virus problems than we have with XP