First Look: Microsoft Longhorn

Disclaimer: This is a preview based on a very early release of Microsofts next-generation operating system. It lacks the modern user interface elements that will be in the final version. Given that the code is far from final and may contain many debug elements, the systems performance will likely improve in subsequent releases. Any statements we make about perceived performance may not apply to the final version, and any feature discussed here may also change before Longhorns final release in 2006.

Running with the Bull

Longhorn is the codename for the next-generation version of Microsoft Corp.s flagship Windows operating system. Its also the companys most ambitious project since the first Windows NT release. An impressive array of new technologies will be built into the new OS—a few of which were included in the pre-release version we checked out.

Recently, Jason Brooks wrote about his first impressions of Longhorn for eWeek. Now its our turn to dig a little deeper and try to understand a bit more about Microsofts next generation of Windows.

Due to its ambitious nature, Longhorn has had its release pushed out to sometime in 2006. Because of this, Microsoft has committed to a second service pack release for Windows XP, which may add a few Longhorn elements – particularly in the realm of security.

Some of the key features of Longhorn include:

• Improved security—through its NGSCB initiative

• WinFS, a new file system based around relational database technology (NTFS will still be available)

• New user interface technologies based on DirectX rather than the aging GDI interface. Every window in the release version will be a 32-bit, z-buffered, 3D surface.

• A new presentation and UI design subsystem, codenamed "Avalon," based on XAML (Extensible Application Markup Language).

• A new communications architecture, codenamed "Indigo," thats an enhanced and integrated version of Microsofts .NET framework.

Read the full review on ExtremeTech..