Windows Driver Testing Expands to Windows 7
- By Peter Varhol
- 06/03/2008
Microsoft's device driver policy with Vista has left many users out in the
cold. Some vendors have chosen not to rewrite their drivers for the OS, which
has a new driver model.
According to this
Computerworld story linked on RedmondReport.com,
Microsoft is apparently responding to that lack by tying driver certification
with Vista to driver certification with the future Windows 7. The company will
require hardware makers to test their device drivers on Windows 7 in order to
obtain certification for Vista.
In other words, Vista's device drivers will be compatible with the new Windows
7, so this shouldn't be a big burden to hardware vendors, except for the additional
time and expense of certifying on both operating systems. Ultimately, it will
help users, but it will also help Microsoft improve acceptance of both operating
systems.
I used to build development tools for Windows device drivers (anyone remember
SoftICE?). I have sympathy for both users and driver developers. Do you have
devices that don't work with Vista? Let me know at [email protected].
Watch That Safari!
Microsoft has issued an unusual
security warning that involves Apple's Safari Web browser in conjunction
with Windows: A combination of Safari's ability to download files without explicit
user permission plus a vulnerability in XP and Vista concerning downloaded executables
makes this a potentially serious problem.
I don't see this as a vendor spat, and I don't blame Microsoft for its response.
However, Apple doesn't see this as a browser problem and hasn't committed to
addressing it in Safari. For the sake of both browser choice and users who have
settled on Safari, let's hope that Microsoft fixes the vulnerability in its
operating systems.
Usually when I hear about alternative browsers for Windows, Firefox is at the
top of the list and Opera gets mentioned occasionally. I almost never hear about
Safari. Are you using Safari with Windows? Let me know at [email protected].
Mainsoft Unifies Microsoft and Java for Lifecycle Tools
Mainsoft, which builds a .NET-to-Java cross-compiler, has found a way to use
its technology beyond the realm of development teams.
Specifically, it's offering
an integration of IBM Lotus Quickr and Microsoft SharePoint into future
releases of IBM Rational Team Concert and other Jazz-based products. This integration
enables participants in the application development lifecycle beyond individual
developers to share and exchange information across platforms.
I've seen a prerelease demo of this technology, and it's really cool. The integration
between Rational Jazz tools, Quickr and SharePoint is completely seamless, so
you don't even know it's two completely separate products.
Are there Microsoft and Java products you wish were seamlessly integrated?
Send your wish list to [email protected].
About the Author
Peter Varhol is the executive editor,
reviews of Redmond magazine and has more than 20 years of experience as a software
developer, software product manager and technology writer. He has graduate degrees
in computer science and mathematics, and has taught both subjects at the university
level.