[Publius6961]

though the operating system's most anticipated improvements in graphics appear to mirror what's now available from rival Apple Computer Inc.

Does the specific wording of this sentence suggest something about the writer?

[Izzy Dunne]

security features are expected that would make it more difficult for online criminals to break into PCs.

There's no way this is NOT going to be used for DRM - keeping track of whether you own that music track or not.

[Teflonic]

That chip is a wolf in sheeps clothing.

[landorepub]

Simple answer: my next PC will be a Mac. Screw M$ and all their so-called improvements. The last OS they released they said the same crap - "The biggest improvemnt to Windows since '95" If I want to buy soimething as full of holes as XP, I'll stop by the local deli and buy a pound of swiss cheese.

[rwfromkansas]

"Some claimed it would enable strict copyright protection schemes for music, movies and software. It also could restrict the tinkering that has driven computer industry innovation over the years, they said."

[TomGuy]

The security chip in computers running Longhorn

And just incidentally such a chip could be used to ensure Longhorn and all other Microsoft products installed on a particular machine are Microsoft-approved versions.

And just incidentally such a chip could be used to ensure compatibility problems with non-Microsoft products, such as Firefox.

[Cicero]

If I understand this correctly, it may not be possible to upgrade old computers to Longhorn.

That has always tended to be the case. I have upgraded a few computers in the past to a new operating system, but it's never been a painless procedure even if you format and start fresh.

For timing reasons I just had to buy a new laptop, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get a new computer. I've heard good as well as bad things about Longhorn (the bad mostly from Apple lovers like this).

[paleocon patriarch]

Microsuck stock up a penny.

And the crowd goes wild!

[omega4412]

Security for the users or security for Hollywood and the recording industry?

[savedbygrace]

Under the FWIW column, the Apple booth at last week's National Association of Broadcasters Convention was huge, jammed full of attendees, and buzzing hard all three show days I was there. The Microsoft booth was quiet for the most part.

Apple is looking good, even with its 5% market share. Longhorn could deliver another 5% market share to Apple, if not more.

[steve-b]

Currently, such encryption locks are stored as data on a hard drive. It is, however, much more difficult to crack a chip.

Who writes this stuff? The difference between hardware and software implementation is purely one of performance (a dedicated chip can generally encrypt/decrypt faster). The security of the end result depends entirely on the soundness of the algorithm and the security of the key.