Repost: More Windows XP and "Windows 7" news
Jun 4, 2008 20:05:27 GMT
Post by CharlieChomper on Jun 4, 2008 20:05:27 GMT
Disclaimer: As the title suggests, this is a reposting of an earlier thread. The information is still relevant as is the article and was important enough to where I've chosen to repost it here.
I have one XP article this time around and one article as to what to expect (so far) regarding what should be the next major release of Windows, codenamed "Windows 7".
The XP article delves into a rough timeline of Microsoft's current plans regarding XP and attempt to phase it out.
Also, on that note, Service Pack Three for XP has been released into the updates cycle (which is currently only accessible to subscribed developers) and it should appear to users toward the end of April. It will be the final service pack that the company plans on releasing for XP. From what I've read so far, it sounds like there will be an additional download (a "registry hack" from Microsoft) that may be required to install it. The issue with the "hack" is that it's main purpose is actually about the same as the "genuine advantage patch" they released a few years ago to "verify" that the copy of Windows installed is actually a legal, authenticated copy of it. SP3 apparently won't install without it.
Among the issues being addressed by it (according to the release notes that I've seen), are mainly security-related issues, networking issues, and an update to Windows installer.
As to the "Windows 7" news, I wish I could say that some of this surprises me, but it actually doesn't. Microsoft has already been playing with the idea of subscriptions for its software (including with just Office) and having people or companies pay subscription fees for even just components of it (ie in the situation with Office, that would mean having to pay for say Word and then paying another fee to use Outlook and another fee for Excel, etc.). In the instance with the upcoming version of Windows, it would mean having to pay a fee for any new modules that Microsoft chooses to add onto Windows and which a user may want. The concept of modules in this context is somewhat difficult for me to fully describe, but if anyone needs any clarification, don't hesitate to ask and I'll do my best to try and explain it.
However, as with the development of Vista, not everything mentioned may come out as they intend as they're still in the early stages of development with this.
I have one XP article this time around and one article as to what to expect (so far) regarding what should be the next major release of Windows, codenamed "Windows 7".
The XP article delves into a rough timeline of Microsoft's current plans regarding XP and attempt to phase it out.
Also, on that note, Service Pack Three for XP has been released into the updates cycle (which is currently only accessible to subscribed developers) and it should appear to users toward the end of April. It will be the final service pack that the company plans on releasing for XP. From what I've read so far, it sounds like there will be an additional download (a "registry hack" from Microsoft) that may be required to install it. The issue with the "hack" is that it's main purpose is actually about the same as the "genuine advantage patch" they released a few years ago to "verify" that the copy of Windows installed is actually a legal, authenticated copy of it. SP3 apparently won't install without it.
Among the issues being addressed by it (according to the release notes that I've seen), are mainly security-related issues, networking issues, and an update to Windows installer.
As to the "Windows 7" news, I wish I could say that some of this surprises me, but it actually doesn't. Microsoft has already been playing with the idea of subscriptions for its software (including with just Office) and having people or companies pay subscription fees for even just components of it (ie in the situation with Office, that would mean having to pay for say Word and then paying another fee to use Outlook and another fee for Excel, etc.). In the instance with the upcoming version of Windows, it would mean having to pay a fee for any new modules that Microsoft chooses to add onto Windows and which a user may want. The concept of modules in this context is somewhat difficult for me to fully describe, but if anyone needs any clarification, don't hesitate to ask and I'll do my best to try and explain it.
However, as with the development of Vista, not everything mentioned may come out as they intend as they're still in the early stages of development with this.
