Microsoft Sets 2006 Target for Next Windows Version

[Gein]

So, at best, it's 2006 and only because they are cutting WinFS.

Looking at this article, (http://news.com.com/Microsoft+overhauls+Longhorn+plans/2100-1016_3-5326850.html?tag=nefd.top) WinFS (witch runs on top of NTFS) will be made available as beta (?) in 2006, and both Indigo and Avalon will also be made available as separate downloads for Windows XP and 2003 Server.

I wonder what will be the appeal for Longhorn then... security patches?

[danydrunk]

Its kind of late isnt it? thats to much to wait using an outdated OS, every day that passes I dislike xp more, and to wait almost 2 more years?

[puppetmastah]

Still we're only going to need ctrl Alt Del !!

[Zac256]

Longhorns new features: not much.

Time to create 5+ years...

Why????????????????????????????????

[danydrunk]

The only thing stopping me from changing to other OS is 3d, but it seems that more and more, these other platforms are improving in this field. Really I dont understand why, WHY I have to use this crap. After using OSX for a while, and coming back to windows, its like driving a bmw against an old VW beattle...

[dtaznpride]

oh pish posh complains compalins complains....just be glad they're trying to make things better for almost all of us.


be happy. smile.

[danydrunk]

I didnt used to be like this but its old, and ugly compared to osx. anyway I was just commenting

[Stillwell]

5 years...? Wha... Huh.... How...?

Are they recoding it from scratch? What's so new that would take 5 years to release?

[Para]

Are they recoding it from scratch? What's so new that would take 5 years to release?

Basically everything from architecture of the entire OS (means: it's coded in much more strict and hopefully bugless manner) to GUI (DirectX neXt, 100% virtual API for 3D etc.)

[Stillwell]

Basically everything from architecture of the entire OS (means: it's coded in much more strict and hopefully bugless manner) to GUI (DirectX neXt, 100% virtual API for 3D etc.)
Got it. Thanks.

Hopefully it really won't open any new major security breaches. Bah, if I can get a more stable version in 2006, I don't care. WinXP runs fine for me right now :)

[ASWDesign]

I think you should all stop whining with your "everyday i diss like windows even more"
Well go use linux or another OS, Windows XP is not bad in anyway because you have nothing to compare it to....Really everyone will hate LongHorn when it comes out the same they did with XP but Get over it your gonna use it and be happy with it, you just dont like it because its made by Microsoft and there a corprote monopoly, nothing more nothing less.

Stop whining new windows 2006, for the person who said "Not much diffrence then XP but taken 5+ to make" How do you bloody know its not diffrent? Who cares how long it takes to make not our problem for all the software and hardware we buy windows XP does fine.

The reason i think windows LongHorn will come ot in 2006 is because it will use alot of RAM and todays computers only have about 512mb or ram unless you upgrade to 1 - 2gig of it this is my opinon.

And as another guy said "oh pish posh complains compalins complains....just be glad they're trying to make things better for almost all of us.


be happy. smile." I agree with him Smile be happy shut up if you dont like it make your own OS.

ASW

[Self-Designer]

5 years...? Wha... Huh.... How...?

Are they recoding it from scratch? What's so new that would take 5 years to release?
It's funny because when adobe/discreet/alias/whoever makes a new version every 1-1.5 years, you (not you personally, Stillwell) say they should take longer periods. Anyway, it seems as if it's not matter what program/OS you use, you'll never be satisfied (like the song says: "I can't get no satisfaction")...

[ghopper]

I just don't understand why some people can't realize how much work needs to go into developing something like Windows Longhorn ( before you start complaining read about all the new architectures MS is introducing and watch these concept videos (http://msdn.microsoft.com/Longhorn/productinfo/conceptvid/default.aspx) ).

This is not just about making a "pretty" OS with massive eyecandy icons cluttering up the desktop. If you want eyecandy now then get OSX or use one of the skinning tools for Windows. Read this article (http://features.engadget.com/entry/8828351836181248/) and you can turn your PC into a Mac if you absolutely need that eyecandy .

I myself am looking forward to Windows Longhorn and till then will keep using Windows XP obviously ( and Linux - only as a webserver platform though ). A Linux or OSX system just won't let me do all the things I want to do on a single PC. For example can you use Softimage on OSX or play HL2 on OSX ? I don't think so. Finally, Windows based system are in my opinion more price effective as well. More powerful hardware and more choice of various types of software.

[Geta-Ve]

ghopper - well said.. as much fun as it really is to bad mouth M$, none of us can really complain because we have almost no clue how hard it is to do what they are doing... I mean they are probably the number 1 company to get hacked, which makes for ALOT of setbacks... dont you think?

[Beamtracer]

This is not just about making a "pretty" OS with massive eyecandy icons cluttering up the desktop. If you want eyecandy now then get OSXThe Apple OS X interface has transparency, shadows and superior anti-aliasing (making text look better.) Apple achieved this with its "Quartz Graphic Engine", which uses OpenGL and the GPU to draw the screen. Microsoft has said it wants to do something similar with it's future Longhorn OS, to replace the Shrek-green look of Windows XP.

BBC News has just run a story about the long wait for Longhorn...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3606938.stm

It's an interesting question as to why Microsoft is experiencing so much trouble getting their next OS out. No matter how much money they have, or how large their army of programmers is, they can't push it out any sooner. Why is this?

If MS throws out the proposed WinFS file system to try to get Longhorn out sooner, or if they throw out the Avalon 3D graphics part of Longhorn, shouldn't they lower the price of Longhorn to compensate for all these missing components?

[js33]

If MS throws out the proposed WinFS file system to try to get Longhorn out sooner, or if they throw out the Avalon 3D graphics part of Longhorn, shouldn't they lower the price of Longhorn to compensate for all these missing components?
All the components will be released just not all at the same time. They are making it more modular now. The WinFS system will still come out just a bit later than the rest.

Cheers,
JS

[Myce]

I dont know about you guys but I prefer windows over all the other OS's out there. Its just the ease of use and functionality. If I want need to install flash player I just click on the install button in the IE and just like that its done. I tried installing flashplayer on Linux, took me a whole friggin day to figure out the commands in the terminal :scream: .

Anyway rant over. I'm lookin forward to Longhorn and in the mean time XP in classic mode works just fine for me.

[John Keates]

Isn't longhorn also going to be 64 bit? And doesn't that make it harder to program?

It will be interesting to see what kind of improvements Linux and apple make in that time. I know that they are making Linux more user-freindly. Maybe more softwhere will start supporting it. Couple that with the fact that IBM are making a processor that can work with two operating systems at the same time and we could be seeing some changes.

Perhaps Microsoft is suffering from the Bloated and complacent effects of manopolising for so long?

Perhaps I should stop perhapsing?

[iC4]

Longhorns new features: not much.

Time to create 5+ years...

Why????????????????????????????????
[ ] yes you really know what you are talking about.....

[Para]

Isn't longhorn also going to be 64 bit? And doesn't that make it harder to program?

In short, no. All you most likely need is a different compiler than can compile source code to 64bit executables.

It will be interesting to see what kind of improvements Linux and apple make in that time. I know that they are making Linux more user-freindly.

Since when? Linux has been operating the same way since 1995.

Perhaps I should stop perhapsing?

Nah, it wouldn't make any difference :)

[1001 JediNights]

There ARE user-friendly versions of linux out there. this (http://www.linspire.com) is the most popular to my knowledge.

So you see, switching isn't that hard.

[TumikSmacker]

99% of all software in the world an run and be purchased on windows. And people are saying Windows sucks because???

Sure there is bugs, blue screen etc, but its the most flexible and universal when it comes to software availability and installation.

When's the last time you've heard someone say 'does it run on windows?'. Its Rare.

You here it everyday, 'oh is there a mac version of that for me to download??'

Pleeeease

=)

[ghopper]

ghopper - well said.. as much fun as it really is to bad mouth M$, none of us can really complain because we have almost no clue how hard it is to do what they are doing... I mean they are probably the number 1 company to get hacked, which makes for ALOT of setbacks... dont you think?

The reason I guess why this takes so long, is not only because of the actual time it requires to code Longhorn, but as you said, it's also because of bug finding and unit testing. Additionally, managing this kind of project is a huge undertaking as well.

[Geta-Ve]

again ghopper, too true. I mean, its not really everyday you go and build an operating system that is userfriendly to dumb dumbs and 5 year olds. That kind of thing as crazy as it sounds actually does take time and talent. Like I dont even want to fathom how they made WinXP so user friendly.. The only thing I complain about daily is slowness, other than that, Windows is perfectly fine... (apart from some set backs here and there.. but to say those kinds of set backs dont happen in other OS? hrm..)

and like Tumik pointed out, almost every single piece of software runs under windows.. that is just another time consuming setback for M$, they have to make their OS compatible with all of these softwares...

So really I think if you actually sit down and look at the facts here, its pretty selfish for most to be mad at M$ for.. almost any reason really...

[danydrunk]

Oh god All of you defending microsoft, sound as if you work for the company!@#$%$ simply be objective, OF COURSE EVERYTHING RUNS WELL ON MICROSOFT, BECAUSE ITS INSTALLED IN BILLIONS OF COMPUTERS (maybe im exagerating) so its the standard which means everyone writes software for it. Im not saying its bad, or that its easy to do an OS, but compared to mac OSX it feels old!!! and what I mean is that to wait 2 more years its a lot of time. As someone said it will be interesting to see what apple and linux will do in that time. They are not giving windows for free you know? they are a company like any other, its only their monopoly is so big that they can take the time they want, with almost no pressure. So why not complain? anyone has the right to complain as much as they want.

[ghopper]

...
Im not saying its bad, or that its easy to do an OS, but compared to mac OSX it feels old!!!
...

Please give more details, by just saying it "feels" old you are not really giving any reasons.

Are you missing the eyecandy, or some nice UI transitions ?
What can you do in OSX that you can't do in XP ? And please name things that would help a "pro" user being more productive.

I just want to understand, why people are saying, XP "feels" old. I have experienced no crashes and my PC has been on for 13 days solid now, and no hickups whatsoever. XP lets me do everything I need to do ( work, games, entertainment ).

Personally, I'm always running in classical mode. Sitting 12+ hrs in front of the PC, I just need a UI that is simple / subtle and not "shouting" at your face. OS9 however had a nice UI.

[halo]

so what will longhorn give us over XP for the 5 years of dev?

[disdatshizness]

yes. i agree. :) go on there billie boy.

[iC4]

so what will longhorn give us over XP for the 5 years of dev?
.net integrated into windows

for example you can create a windows application just by defining a xml file and some lines c#. but thats just one of the many amazing features.

[friendinlove]

How come most of you guys have a negative attitude towards windows?

[Balusilustalu]

Read this article[/URL] and you can turn your PC into a Mac if you absolutely need that eyecandy .


hahahaha... yes.. that'll do it.. :rolleyes:

[halo]

iC4-

thats it? 64 bit support would be nice for a start. Having 2-3gb of ram as a limit per application is becoming a bit of a bind...

XP is better than 2000 or NT, but only because it finally tidies up the os. OSX is a step backward imo, turning OS9 into a more windows friendly OS with all the pains that it comes with it. OS9 was simple, small and stable just what an OS should be...one really wonders what 5 years of development will actually give us on an everyday basis... .net isn't one of the features that a majority will use, its a geek thing.

OS's really shouldnt be something to get excited about....especially as MS really has struggled to understand good UI.

[ghopper]

hahahaha... yes.. that'll do it.. :rolleyes:

I was only refering to the visuals, that it is possible to skin and modify XP, so it looks like OSX, for all the people that need eyecandy and don't want to spend extra money on a Mac.

[mummey]

iC4-

thats it? 64 bit support would be nice for a start. Having 2-3gb of ram as a limit per application is becoming a bit of a bind...

XP is better than 2000 or NT, but only because it finally tidies up the os. OSX is a step backward imo, turning OS9 into a more windows friendly OS with all the pains that it comes with it. OS9 was simple, small and stable just what an OS should be...one really wonders what 5 years of development will actually give us on an everyday basis... .net isn't one of the features that a majority will use, its a geek thing.

OS's really shouldnt be something to get excited about....especially as MS really has struggled to understand good UI.
OS9 was great... if you didn't like Memory Management, Networking, or Stability. :thumbsup:

[fr3drik]

Apple! Set OS X for PC free! :thumbsup:

[Alan Daniels]

XP is better than 2000 or NT, but only because it finally tidies up the os...

Honest question, I'm looking for your opinion on this: Is there anything in XP that's demonstratably better than in Windows 2000? I've used Win2K ever since it came out and have been quite happy with it. I've briefly tried XP, but I didn't care for the user interface with all its blues and greens. Seems childish, frankly. Also, to my knowledge, there's no software that won't run on one OS but not the other, so can you think of any good reasons to go to XP?

[dgpilot]

Personally I think Windows OS has become a LOT more stable since Windows 95. I can't recall the number of errors and re-formats I had on Windows 95. I had a lot on 98, about 8 or 9 on Windows NT/2000 and none so far under Windows XP.
For those who don't like how WinXP looks... you can switch to classic view with the older graphics, except it's a lot more stable than the previous OS's

[ghopper]

Honest question, I'm looking for your opinion on this: Is there anything in XP that's demonstratably better than in Windows 2000? I've used Win2K ever since it came out and have been quite happy with it. I've briefly tried XP, but I didn't care for the user interface with all its blues and greens. Seems childish, frankly. Also, to my knowledge, there's no software that won't run on one OS but not the other, so can you think of any good reasons to go to XP?

Depends on what you want to do. Windows XP has better multimedia support, so if you're into PC games, XP is the better choice. Also, XP seem to boot up quicker for me. If you didn't like the new UI, just switch back to the classic UI and it all looks like you're using W2K. You can also change the way you have to login, i.e. pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL and have the same login screen as in W2K.

[Myce]

I dont see how ppl can blame windows for every crash. I was like that at first when i got my first pc. But then I realised how many hardware and software configurations there are available for windows. To be able to build a perfect OS that is compatable with every hardware and software configuration is nigh on impossable.

Im using win2k at the moment and it runs so smooth. I've hardly had any problems in the last year or so and if i did, they were really minor ones.

We use linux at school and im not a coder so im not used to all the terminal cmds in linux. Linux is great but it lacks the variety windows offers. I've had bad experiences with the macs at school and that has totally put me off them (first impressions last).

And no. I do not work for my Microsoft. :p Its just my personal experiences.

So bring on Longhorn I say.

[allseeingi]

The G5 machine, which i use crashes everytime i logout, everytime i capture from fcp and everytime i open a long image sequence in shake or combustion. It really puts me in trouble whenever i try to manage image sequences. Mac sucks more in these areas. Sometimes this machine leaves me no choice than to pull the plug to restart. I really became slow in working after i got this mac. What i do in a PC with windows in a day even after 10 crashes and a doezen ctrl+alt+del, I take 5 days to finish in a mac. I really think there is a software or possibly hardware issue with your Mac. I'd seriously get it looked at.

As for the OS debate, Microsoft finally got Windows usable with XP. Anything that comes next is just going to make life easier. Apple are at the same stage with OS X, adding features that make life easier, except they seem able to build on top of the core in a more modular way with each new .x version.

Also, if you want to blame anyone for the delay with Longhorn, blame Microsoft. They released XP with so many security holes that when Blaster hit in August last year, it ripped so many machines wide open that they finally decided they had to do something about it. Hence $300 000 000 and a year later we get a beefed up SP2. That's why Longhorn will now be out a year later than was originally thought.

But honestly, XP runs your programs competantly doesn't it? There's more to life than waiting for a new version of Windows.

- allseeingi

[Edit: Spelling mistake]

[squidinc]

I've briefly tried XP, but I didn't care for the user interface with all its blues and greens. Seems childish, frankly.

it can be turned off, all visual effects can be turned off :hmm:

right click "my computer" > properties > advanced > performance settings

[kidcodea]

amiga os should strike back on intel platform

[Dearmad]

I kinda like that we've sailed into the doldrums... When Foghorn Leghorn hits, it's gonna be chaos- I'd bet the farm that backward compatibility is not gonna be a high thing on the list at that time. The real delay isn't in programming the OS, I bet it's in coordinating the flurry of Foghorn Leghorn apps that'll launch simultaneously to make everyone have to upgrade yet again...

In the meantime, good- no more new OS for PCs; I can stick with 2000 for awhile here.

[Dearmad]

Depends on what you want to do. Windows XP has better multimedia support, so if you're into PC games, XP is the better choice. Also, XP seem to boot up quicker for me. If you didn't like the new UI, just switch back to the classic UI and it all looks like you're using W2K. You can also change the way you have to login, i.e. pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL and have the same login screen as in W2K.

This is an assertion- he asked for a "demonstrably" better example. Show us. To me, XP is mostly hype in its "superiority" over win2000. I see more bug problems with XP and games in forums than win2000 byfar. And not having to call up Uncle Gates when I install my OS is a very nice feature to 2000 indeed.

[Gein]

I'd bet the farm that backward compatibility is not gonna be a high thing on the list at that time. I would recommend against that bet.
Microsoft has probably the best record in backwards compability. That's one of the main advantages of the NT kernel that Dave Cutler created (from what I've read). Did you ever wonder why all your windows app open instantly in Windows XP, be they for NT, 9x, 32bits or 16bits...
Try opening a OS9 app in OSX and see what happens. And there is no point in even bringing Linux to this...

Plus, they know how important that is. SP2 for XP broke some apps in name of security, and people shouted over it.

As for the advantages of XP over 2000, it really doesn't matter. Get XP, it's newer, it will be supported longer, and you can tweak it all you want to get any extra juice you might lose in the transition from 2k.

Gein

Edit: Sorry, I've just noticed that the user questioning is using 2k already. In that case, if it does all you want, there's no need to upgrade now, I guess.

[WazaR]

Win 2k was the closest MS was to having a smooth efficante opertaing system.

Everything since then has been
1-bloatware
2-spyware
3-new and annoying ways of making off us FOR NOTHING IN RETURN.

I think MS has forgottan that the purpose for a operating system is to OPERATE.

A operating system SHOULDNOT be something that gets in your way. I dont need a stinking middle man to the middle man's messenger's middle man.

[Geta-Ve]

and how does XP's OS not operate? like give me an honest example of how it wont do what you want it to..

[fasteez]

hahaha microsoft is killing themselves ( true win2K was the only good os, xp is only a big skin over it and some lil features anyway )
i thought that Opengl was bad on linux, but xsi exp runs quite good , i was impressed
i just cant imagine how it would be in 2K6
sure they ll be some changes in the os market :)

[Zac256]

I think winXP was a big advance for the home market. It basically combined what WinME tried to do with Win2000. As long as you take out many of the features designed for the less computer literate, it does a decent job of running apps. Let's not forget that's what an OS is for. Not to do other junk.

[Zac256]

Anybody up for a node-based OS?

[JDex]

Anybody up for a node-based OS?
Node based in what way?

[eek]

I love the fact that Longhorn recommends 800 gb of hard disk space!

eek

[fasteez]

like the hurd ???

[Geta-Ve]

I love the fact that Longhorn recommends 800 gb of hard disk space!

eek


where do you see this?

[ghopper]

I love the fact that Longhorn recommends 800 gb of hard disk space!

eek

I think you probably mean Mb not Gb ! Around 800Mb was recommended before as well, and since harddrives come in Gb nowadays, this shouldn't be problem at all.

[fasteez]

hmm anyway, windows is higly customizable for its installation
xp only need 400MB to install with only the needed things ( personnally i dont care about wmovie maker , netmeeting, etc so i can drop a lot of things )
this is not a problem as future windows installer will be as customizable i think

ms should think about stable secure pluggable things so theyll win scalability & ease of use

and 3D in OS is really futile lol 2D interface is not used fully ( who knows keyb shortcuts of windows ?? a few )
its only bling bling , the only thing needed would be fully hardware rendered GUI , just to improve resolution independency & speed

hmm im going off topic lol where the wishlist ??? :)

[Geta-Ve]

and 3D in OS is really futile lol 2D interface is not used fully ( who knows keyb shortcuts of windows ?? a few )

ctrl+alt+del? :D

[Para]

I love the fact that Longhorn recommends 800 gb of hard disk space!

Those computer specs were put on net by an idiot who thought that Bill's words of what he thinks computers MAY be when Longhorn ships mean Longhorn system specs and it was mis-informed to a lot of people this way.

Everything you read from newspapers or see from TV isn't real, folks.

[eek]

ah ok..

btw i got the info from a programmer friend of mine.

[NanoGator]

Win 2k was the closest MS was to having a smooth efficante opertaing system.

Everything since then has been
1-bloatware
2-spyware
3-new and annoying ways of making off us FOR NOTHING IN RETURN.



That's not a fair assessment of XP.

1-Bloatware: XP had features added. Yeah, it's not the slimmest OS around, but it's certainly a hell of a lot friendlier than previous versions of Windows.

2-Spyware: This is a fair point, though a little sensationalized.

3- Nothing in return: Not true. I hated XP when I first started using it, but since I've gotten it on my workstation, I'm actually fairly happy with it. MS moved in the right direction UI wise with it. It is MUCH better about informing me on stuff that's going on. I still prefer 2k, but actually this OS isn't half bad. I'd MUCH rather somebody less computer literate use XP over 2K. They'd have a much easier time with it.

[slaughters]

Win 2k was the closest MS was to having a smooth efficante opertaing system.

Everything since then has been
....You can sure tell when someone hits their late 20's and early 30's. Suddenly all that new fangled stuff isn't as good as what we had when we were kids ! :)

[DannyDreams]

Kids...what are you gonna do. :rolleyes: That reminds do you ever think old Software will ever become collectors items?

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