Microsoft sees the end of Windows era

[Gary]

Looks like virtualisation may be the way ahead for the home pc. Microsoft is looking to whenh it will retire Windows. "Microsoft has kicked off a research project to create software that will take over when it retires Windows.

Called Midori, the cut-down operating system is radically different to Microsoft's older programs.

It is centred on the internet and does away with the dependencies that tie Windows to a single PC.

It is seen as Microsoft's answer to rivals' use of "virtualisation" as a way to solve many of the problems of modern-day computing"

Full story here

[Rik]

They are, of course, assuming the internet has a future. 

[Gary]

They are, of course, assuming the internet has a future. 

Maybe thats why they want to get out of making a new OS every 3-4 years Rik, 

[Inactive]

Maybe thats why they want to get out of making a new OS every 3-4 years Rik, 

I thought that was deliberate in order to squeeze a few quid more out of the punters Gary.

[Lona]

Midori??? I thought that was a drink 

[Gary]

I thought that was deliberate in order to squeeze a few quid more out of the punters Gary.

I guess making the equivalent of software patchwork quilts just is to old fashioned now , In

[Gary]

Midori??? I thought that was a drink 

If its something that costs alot and you can pee it down a drain after drinking, yes you could be right

[Sebby]

I think it's a good idea. They could go on updating Windows indefinitely, but what would that achieve? I feel that they're just looking for new features now that don't necessarily make it more pleasant to use.

Whilst an OS centred around the internet seems like a worrying concept now, I bet it won't seem so weird in years to come...

[Gary]

I think it's a good idea. They could go on updating Windows indefinitely, but what would that achieve? I feel that they're just looking for new features now that don't necessarily make it more pleasant to use.

Whilst an OS centred around the internet seems like a worrying concept now, I bet it won't seem so weird in years to come...

I have t agree Sebby and it will take the issues of conflicts out of the equation and BSOD, reduce pc costs as less powerful components are needed, but also make privacy a true thing of the past I fear

[Steve]

Interestingly on a similar theme

http://www.speedguide.net/read_news.php?id=2641

[Rik]

I wonder if MS genuinely see FF as a threat, or are merely playing politics?

[kinmel]

just imagine the joy when 3 billion virtual OS's all BSOD together and then Patch Tuesday when virtual apps crash in unison.

Don't even think of what terrorists, rogue Governments and hackers will bring to the party.

[TFH] At least it will allow Governments to decide what apps will be allowed to run on your PC - no P2P for you my lad, no blogging for you dissidents.[/TFH]

I can't wait, I wonder who will be the universal BOFH

[Rik]

The Govt managing an IT programme. Surely you jest, Alan.

[kinmel]

The Govt managing an IT programme. Surely you jest, Alan.

No, they will fall in with special interest groups and then regulate the software options the providers will be allowed to offer, a MarkII of the threats to ISPs about P2P controls.

This provides real time control of what your computer is permitted to do.

[Gary]

just imagine the joy when 3 billion virtual OS's all BSOD together and then Patch Tuesday when virtual apps crash in unison.

Don't even think of what terrorists, rogue Governments and hackers will bring to the party.

[TFH] At least it will allow Governments to decide what apps will be allowed to run on your PC - no P2P for you my lad, no blogging for you dissidents.[/TFH]

I can't wait, I wonder who will be the universal BOFH

The government is already thinking about limiting what programs you may be able to use by monitoring you with DPI So programs like Proxymitron and the like, even ad Muncher that has a proxy feature to hide your IP are going to be straight out the windows!