The Future of Windows

[AndreL]

Do you think windows will supply a default virtual program (programs like Virtual PC and Virtual Server) to the basic intallation of the OS to run legacy application.
(Future versions of windows having a applet that allows you to run legacy applications.)

[Gilthanaz]

I've never heard that term before, what exactly do you mean by legacy applications?

[AndreL]

I posted this poll cause windows is always claming to be able to be compatible with almost every thing out there. And I want to see how far they want to kept that claim to run everything. Casue you know with NT4 brought along the begining, to run with any NOS out there (Linux/Unix, Apple, Novell).

[AndreL]

Legacy applications - Application that run on legacy (old) OS's Win 3.1, 95, 98, 92 SE.

[DanGrease]

No, I dont think they will do that.

dan

[jman01pa]

legacy application

Inherited application, usually an old one that runs on a large minicomputer or mainframe, and that may be too important to scrap or too expensive to change. 'Legacy' implies that such applications are valuable and should be looked after. Those who want to be rid of legacy applications use different metaphors, such as 'slum clearance'.

No they wont add future support for it. And even if they wanted to, they would either get sued over it or someone out there would exloit it somehow to cause a security risk to all.

[AndreL]

Why are't they getting sued now they already have it out, and its called Virtual PC 2004 and later this year they will be realesing Virtual Server. So how would they get sued by supporting applications they there (legacy) old OS's did.

[vass0922]

That is nowhere near the purpose of Virtual Server
I've nevre heard of Virtual PC so can't comment on that


Virtual Servre is for server environments. Manytimes its required to have a server specific to a task for security reasons (and for webhosts, some people demand their own server) so instead of having 100 little servers to do this little work you can buy 5 huge powerful servers to run all the little guys in 'virtual servers' so everybody is happy.
This is by no means 'innovation' as VMWare has been doing this for years.
Microsoft is simply playing catch up (by again, just buying another company that had already developed the software)
The problem I have with virtual server is obviously the host server will be windows and MS Proclaims virtual server will work with Linux, whats the odds they'll spend 2 measly minutes tweaking it to work well with Linux?

Article for those not knowing what Virtual server is
http://news.com.com/2100-1012-5161193.html

--- edit ---
To run legacy application you will run a legacy OS in the virtual server to keep the legacy application going.
BUT.. <drum roll> you have to run Virtual Server in Server 2003 SO you have to buy virtual server, and server 2003.

[AndreL]

Go to this link if you want to see Vritual PC 2004 www.microsoft.com/virtualpc

[vass0922]

SO its the thing but more based for the client side.
BUT its not just an applet, you will have to boot up a legacy operating system as a "virtual PC"
Software like this is typically a resource PIG, so its not like you'll be able to run several OS's at the same time.
Besides, I'm sure MS is putting a limit on the # of hosts a "Virtual PC" can have ... they want you to buy Virtual Server for anythingmore.