Windows Longhorn
Longhorn is the blanket code-name for the next version of Microsoft Windows (to follow Windows XP), Windows Server, .NET, MSN and Microsoft Office. Due out sometime in 2006, it boasts of several new features, including:
- A new database filesystem-extension called WinFS for Windows FutureStorage (Note: WinFS is NOT a new filesystem, NTFS will still be the filesystem for Longhorn). WinFS is based on the next version of SQL Server code named Yukon. It allows one to see the relationships between files rather than just the today's hierarchical folder-file relationships.
- Longhorn is also supposed to have a completely re-designed user interface code-named Aero.
- DirectX based windows to .NET-XML-based vector formats under the codename Avalon, that is to replace the older API:s known as GDI. Longhorn will require 3D computer graphics hardware, that enables the new DirectX-based user interface.
- The Windows API formerly known as Win32 will be replaced by another API codenamed WinFX.
- Anti-virus APIs for programmers writing anti-virus software.
- Built-in DVD recording capabilities.
- A new installation program that installs Longhorn in about 15 minutes.
- A command-line interface codenamed Monad.
Editions
Microsoft is going to sell different editions of Longhorn, priced differently:
External Links:
- Paul Thurrott's WinSuperSite. -- Go here for more detailed information regarding Longhorn and screenshots from Longhorn.
- Mike's site about Windows Longhorn. -- May include a link to download it.
- Microsoft unwraps 'Longhorn' operating system
- WinSuperSite's PDC 2003 section. -- Go here to see screenshots from the latest build of Longhorn, 4051 released this week at PDC 2003 and much more.
- PDC Bloggers
- Microsoft's Longhorn Developer Center
