Could it be true? Microsoft releases a lightweight version of XP

[Kougar]

Survival of the fittest, in terms of computing, means that old computers are scrapped for parts when new technology surpasses it so far that the PC is virtually unusable. Some would argue that we're seeing that right now with Microsoft no longer providing support for Windows 98 and Windows ME. Still, there are some users out there clinging to their Pentium IIs only to let go when the power finally goes out for good. If you are one of those people, then Microsoft has some news for you, or at least enterprise users: let go of the operating system now and you can still use your PC.

How does Microsoft plan on letting users keep their first generation Celerons? The company is set to offer them Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (previously Eiger), a sleek version of Windows XP that is intended to provide users with all the security of Windows XP SP2 but still run on legacy machines. It's almost like a Windows thin client...almost.

To call Windows Fundamentals a thin client would be going too far, but it certainly is low on bloat. The minimum requirements to run the OS include 64MB of RAM, 500 MB hard drive, a NIC, and a Pentium processor. Software included with Windows Fundamentals consists of Remote Desktop, Internet Explorer (6 presumably), network access, a simplified Control Panel, and Windows Update. That sounds perfect for those of us who like to start from scratch, right? Not so fast.

Windows Fundamentals does not support some of the bare necessities including gaming and Office. The purpose of this release is to give enterprise users a segue into something bigger like a real copy of Windows XP Pro or Vista once they can afford the transition. For the time being, the best bet for those using Windows Fundamentals would be to take advantage of its strong terminal services support. As far as I can tell, that's the strongest feature found in the new Windows on Weight Watchers. IE is there as well, which for some users is all they need to get their work done.

Full blog with links is at http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2006/7/12/4627 (http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2006/7/12/4627)

[werty316]

I guess this could come in handy with people still using stone-age rigs. Its better then 98 and ME atleast.

[Das Capitolin]

Full blog with links is at http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2006/7/12/4627 (http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2006/7/12/4627)

This has been in the works for almost a year now. It started as a lightweight Euro version to accomodate the lawsuit. It just kept getting smaller from that point.

[XJnine]

I bet the community will find a way to add DirectX support within a couple weeks. Once they do this would probably become the OS of choice for most serious gamers.

[Das Capitolin]

I bet the community will find a way to add DirectX support within a couple weeks. Once they do this would probably become the OS of choice for most serious gamers.

Well, I could see that happening for three reasons:
1) Cheaper cost, and gamers are pretty cheap.
2) Better stability: thin version means no bloat to help crash the O/S
3) Better performance: fewer services running, and less space taken.

[tomato]

Hmmm... this sounds suspiciously like Adobe Photoshop Elements... a supposedly "light" version of the regualar Photoshop program. But Elements SUCKED, and was pretty much useless. Hopefully this thin XP won't go that route, but I won't hold my breath...

Still for some older machines, soon this may be their only choice for an OS

[Kougar]

Err, what is wrong with Photoshop Elements? It seems light to me, at least relatively speaking... For what I do it's like using a large sledgehammer to nail a picture onto the wall, but it's still fun to play with and I'm slowly learning the barebones basics to it... ;)

[tomato]

Ugh, I hated PS Elements! It was waaay to restricting in what it would allow the user to do.... all of the good stuff was locked up! But I suppose that PS Elements would wet the user's appetite so that they go out and purchase the full fledged PS...

But for the novice user or pure hardcore gamer, I suppose that PS Elements and/or "thin" Win XP would do the trick ;)
(and I even brought it back on topic! :P)