Microsoft last week released a beta 1 version of Windows
Vista, the biggest update of its operating system since the release
of Windows XP and a milestone in its Trustworthy Computing security
initiative.
The company said Windows Vista beta 1, which was previously
called Longhorn, would be delivered to more than 10,000
testers.
New features in the operating system are designed to improve
security in corporate, mobile and roaming environments, as well as
reduce the total cost of ownership of PCs through simplified
management, increased automation of tasks and improved
diagnostics.
Security improvements include hard disc encryption, secure
storage of encryption keys using version 1.2 of the Trusted
Platform Module (TPM) and further features to lock down end-user
access to applications where required by administrators.
To run Windows Vista beta 1, users will need PCs configured with
a minimum of 512Mbytes of memory and a graphics card that supports
DirectX 9.0.
Gartner analyst Michael Silver said IT departments that already
use Windows XP will not need to thoroughly test Windows Vista beta
1, but advised those running Windows 2000 Professional to begin
reviewing application compatibility.
"The OS will likely change significantly between beta 1, beta 2
[expected early in 2006] and the commercial release, expected late
in 2006," said Silver.
Users planning to skip Windows XP need to start preparing now,
he added.
"After Windows Vista ships, you will have much less time than
those running Windows XP to test and deploy the new OS before
independent software vendor support starts waning around 2007 and
Microsoft ends all bug-fix support in mid-2010.
"Begin talking to the developers of your critical applications
and plan on some limited, internal compatibility testing with beta
1."