This week in Seattle, Microsoft previewed the next generation in Windows, code-named Longhorn. We have taken a long, hard look at preview code for this new 64-bit operating system, due out late next year. The images presented here are your chance to see what Microsoft has in mind. Also, check out our recent progress report on Longhorn.
Better views
Longhorn's enhanced graphics engine, Avalon, renders complex images with far more detail than before, producing photo-quality wallpaper for your desktop.
The familiar Start menu remains
The familiar Start menu, very similar to that found in Windows XP, returns in Longhorn. Apart from a new overall look and feel, Longhorn's real changes are inside the operating system: 64-bit addressable memory, searchable file metadata and improved graphics capabilities.
New accounting principles
Like XP, Longhorn allows multiple users of a single system to have individual accounts. Users can create or change their own passwords and decide whether or to share files with others.
Enhancing security
An important security change within Longhorn will be a shift away from the Administrator as default. Every user will need to create an account, and those requiring Administrator access will need to log in separately. With Windows XP, the default user is Administrator, and this has given criminal hackers powerful privileges with which to take remote control of Windows XP machines.
A handier toolbox
The new control panel groups familiar tools for easier access. Longhorn uses a Web-like directory structure, with the main category in bold and the individual tools listed below.
Familiar desktop environment with more granularity
As with Windows XP, if you long for familiar screens, they're still there within Longhorn. Here's the Classic Control Panel. Note how much more detail about each task is available in this updated view.
Talkback
windows media player... not windows media center.
""Longhorn's enhanced graphics engine, Avalon, renders complex images with far more detail than before, producing photo-quality wallpaper for your desktop.""
Err photoquality? Like thousnads of dots per inch displayed on a monitor at 72dpi? Not.
""The familiar Start menu, very similar to that found in Windows XP, returns in Longhorn. Apart from a new overall look and feel, Longhorn's real changes are inside the operating system: 64-bit addressable memory, searchable file metadata and improved graphics capabilities.""
Looks the same.
""Like XP, Longhorn allows multiple users of a single system to have individual accounts. Users can create or change their own passwords and decide whether or to share files with others.""
Just like Panther (Mac OS X 10.3) which has been out for over a year. Longshot is still 18 months away, if we believe MS's latest timetable.
""An important security change within Longhorn will be a shift away from the Administrator as default. Every user will need to create an account, and those requiring Administrator access will need to log in separately. With Windows XP, the default user is Administrator, and this has given criminal hackers powerful privileges with which to take remote control of Windows XP machines.""
I can't go back further than Jaguar (Mac OS X 10.2) so I don't know when this was introduced. More than two years ago though.
""The new control panel groups familiar tools for easier access. Longhorn uses a Web-like directory structure, with the main category in bold and the individual tools listed below.""
Sounds good.I wonder who they copied this idea from.
""Embedded within Longhorn is an integrated desktop search. You're not limited to just filename and file type; Longhorn will allow you to search for a variety of criteria, such as bit depth and camera model information supplied by your digital camera.""
Sounds good. Will Google or Apple be the first to sue?
Well, Anonymous, you are a cynical bathtub - and no mistake. You know, I'm thinking you might have a Macmachine? Am I right? Now why do I think that? Questions, questions.....
hehehehe this is pretty funny ,, so the question is ,, what does longhorn have thats new.
Desktop search:
,, OS X has it ,, linux is going too soon with amont others beagle
64 bit support , OS X have it to some degree at least as ood as xp has now,, linux have had it for well over a yeah now and you can even choose between ppc x86_64 or sparc
new theme : ehhhhhhh yeah ,, woohoo
view the crap you delete :
see thats actually a usefull addition. OS Xor linux dont have to my knowlegde maybe kde will steal it soon or gnome.
fansy alt tab thingie not mentioned in the article,, stolen from apple.
smart folders ,, already in os x ill bet linux will have it soon ,, seems usefull.
database filesystem : unknown , will probably be in user space anyway ,, so will ressemble the functionality of desktop search unless for the developers.
OS x have the desktop search thingie and linux havent but on the other hand have heaps of cool filesystems to choose from reiser4 could maybe become a dbfs.
admin not default,,:: get real ,, this is the only way multiuser systems ever should be ,,, why did xp and previous windows version support stupidity ?
Avalon :
hmm os x will prolly have accelerated desktop gfx before longhorn is out their working on it .
Linux i dunno ,, they are a bit heavy but XGL could really kick more ass than any new gui framework .
Also the gnome boys or working on other insane things for the gui bloat lover.
seems like very nice idea though,, loved the demo from ms.
But lets face it,, it isnt gonna revolutionize guis,, just made them easier to look cool, the extended xml lang for avalon looks cool and i guess works perfectly with c# glade in linux have just been able to define guis in xml for years now
Well in the end ill guess longhorn will be a succes but mostly just because ms are damn good at selling old stuff on new cans and running damn good pr campains but then again that goes for most succesfull companies.
All of those are good points, & plus Doesnt The name "longhorn" make you laugh?! It makes you think the Gates wishes he was Long & horny! LOL
Sounds Sooooo exciting - NOT, I`ll stay on the Linux bandwagon ( been there a year now ) much more lively.
Its just another chance to change the standards Again, and you`ll all pay the $$$ for it.... they need the money you know....
Mr. Health Informatics Officer, you seem to be yet another Mac user with so much feeling of dignity and pride shoved up into your mind.
I dont understand, whats wrong with all these Mac users. They are just so jealous of Microsoft's progress that they immediately pounce upon any new development made by Microsoft, and name it as "copied" from Mac. Great! Seems that Apple is so innovative as to develop the idea on its own.
Great things just dont come on their own. There needs to be some source of inspiration. Yesterday, it was Mac, today its Microsoft. This just does not mean that you smear the reputation of any esteemed organization into filthy mud.
Grow up and learn to respect others works. You should know that it is near to impossible to develop even a single part of whatever the two companies are developing. Please learn to respect the efforts put in by both the companies.
I think Microsoft Windows Vista (codenamed Longhorn) will be one of the finest creations by Microsoft.