Has anybody heard about Microsoft's next generation of Windows? It's named Longhall, after the Longhall Pub under/near the main microsoft building or something like that. I saw it on the news last night, and it looks quite spiffy, but will be (as usual) full of bugs and viruses and stuff. I think it runs on a touch screen, and most of the functions looked similar/same, but they have given it a major cosmetic overhaul so stuff lights up when you touch it and other spoofy stuff.. Anyway, I tried to find out more about it, but it seems there's no info anywhere.

Longhorn is Microsoft's codename for the next version of its Windows operating system, to follow on from Windows XP SP3 [1] (http://news.com.com/Reversal+Next+IE+update+divorced+from+Windows/2100-1032_3-5577263.html?tag=nl) and Windows Server 2003. It was originally expected to ship sometime early in 2006 as a minor step between Whistler and Windows Blackcomb (note the whistler codenames heh, longhorn is a sports bar in whistler)

Technologies:
* Fundamentals: new developments to the basic structure of the operating system including the .NET framework, further support for digital rights management (DRM), an application deployment engine ("ClickOnce"), improvements to the installation of applications (Windows Installer/MSI 4.0), and the Trustworthy Computing initiative (trusted computing).
* Avalon: a new user interface subsystem and API based on XML, .NET, and vector graphics, which will make use of 3D computer graphics hardware and Direct3D technologies. See Windows Graphics Foundation.
* Indigo: a service-oriented messaging system to allow programs to interoperate as part of the .NET framework.
* WinFX: a new API to allow access to these new features, replacing the current "Win32" API (see Windows API).

It is worth noting that Avalon, Indigo, and WinFX are technologies that will be made available to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 as well, and are therefore not technologies to be exclusive to Longhorn, but rather developed in time for the Longhorn release, to be incorporated in that operating system. This doesn't imply coming visual changes to these operating systems though, as Aero will still be exclusive to Longhorn. The reason for backporting these technologies is to allow an easier introduction to these technologies to developers and end users.

The spiffy stuff you are talking about is Aero -

Aero Glass experience

This graphics mode includes support for 3D graphics, animation and visual special effects that delivers the richest experience possible in Longhorn. Consequently, this graphics mode requires the following:

* At least 64 MB graphics memory (128 MB is recommended)
* Support for at least 32 bits per pixel
* Support for advanced 3D hardware acceleration with capabilities equal to DirectX 9
* A graphics card that uses AGP 8X or PCI Express 16-lane bus

Although this may appear expensive by today's standards, it is likely that such a configuration will be entry-level or lower by Longhorn's release in 2006-2007.

Aero experience

This graphics mode delivers the minimum hardware acceleration for the Longhorn user experience and is the minimum required for new systems.

* Windows XP Driver Model (Longhorn Display Driver Model is recommended)
* At least 32 MB graphics memory
* Support at least 32 bits per pixel
* Support 3D hardware acceleration with capabilities equal to DirectX 9
* A graphics card that uses AGP 4X or PCI Express 8-lane bus

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anyways, you could get your hot little hands on the alpha release of it, i won't tell you how though (illegal content) so this is just a statement.

Sources mostly from wikipedia

Are you saying that you've just copied and pasted all that from Wikipedia?

I'm mad LOL , when does they invent an "hologram PC" like "Minority Report" HQ Police Station ? with an unique OS what do you think ... forget longhorn or other ... This it would be great ... ( my imagination working hard)

In the Monday, sources of the Microsoft disclose that the launching of the Longhorn is foreseen for the Christmas time of 2006, after successive delays in the launching of so waited operative system. Until Bill Gates it affirms that it is impatient to see the most recent version of the operative system launched the public.
The words of the president of the Microsoft, Bill Gates are these, in a speech of the WinHec (Windows the Hardware Engineering Conference) in Seattle. The Microsoft still used to advantage to demonstrate the some technologies that he intends to see inserted in the Longhorn, as well as the plans for this new operative system, with the launching programmed initially for 2003.

i got windows codename: longhorn build 4074 on a dvd...i downloaded it from torrents...

it is good...good...thas all...good...

i think that it need a few improvements, but for one it IS made to run on the next gerneration of computer systems (much faster and biggger *technically smaller*) so it didnt work to good on my laptop and longhorn requires 512mb ram...my laptop only has 448 since 64mb is shared vid ram...but yeah...we also installed it on the schools computers with only 128mb ram and it ran ok...but still choppy...

i like the look of it, kinda a mix of mac linux and windows...pretty cool...

all in all...it has potential...but still needs work

@Saxsux: yea bascially only after I posted did I realize I forgot the quote marks, but since there is no edit button I can't really fix it, so if a mod does see this please add the quote marks to it?

how much do u think longhorn will cost? 150$? 200$? 250$?
is there a profesional edition? or are they all the same??

Does anyone know if Longhorn will support 64-bit?

when will it be thrown?