Microsoft has unveiled several major new security features of the Longhorn Server, which is due in 2007. Here are the few:
- New security features planned will include an automatic patch check and a file system that can fix itself on the fly (“self healing“).
And this server promises a lot to the customers who are in the edge of moving to Linux (or using it ) just for the sake of security holes from the Windows Operating system series. I am sure, if this clicks, most of the Linux users might migrate back to Windows due to its UI, application compatibility, ease of use and lot many to list that every one knows.
- The “secure-at-install” feature is designed to help secure new installations of specific server roles. When a new server is installed as a terminal server or file server, for example, the system will automatically find and apply security updates that apply to a particular role.
- New transactional capabilities in the Windows file system and registry will let administrators more easily roll back any changes in case of an error
- Another security feature planned for the Longhorn server release is Network Access Protection (NAP). This feature, originally planned for Windows Server 2003 R2, lets users perform a “health check” on PCs connecting to their network and block clients that don’t meet rules ” for example, for patches and virus signatures. Windows Server 2003 R2 is an interim Windows Server release that is due by year’s end
Also, Longhorn server OS is broken down to smaller components or modules; at its core, the server will contain no graphical user interface and boot directly to a command prompt.
[submitted by Kris]