What is microsoft longhorn? is that an operating system?

Answer 1

Microsoft started work on their plans for Windows Vista ("Longhorn") in 2001, prior to the release of Windows XP. It was originally expected to ship sometime late in 2003 as a minor step between Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler") and "Blackcomb" (now known as Windows "Vienna"). Gradually, "Longhorn" assimilated many of the important new features and technologies slated for "Blackcomb," resulting in the release date being pushed back several times. Many of Microsoft's developers were also re-tasked with improving the security of Windows XP. Faced with ongoing delays and concerns about feature creep, Microsoft announced on August 27, 2004 that it was making significant and favorable changes. The original "Longhorn," based on the Windows XP source code, was scrapped, and Vista development started anew, building on the Windows Server 2003 codebase, and re-incorporating only the features that would be intended for an actual operating system release. Some previously announced features, such as WinFS, Windows Sidebar, and NGSCB, were dropped or postponed, and a new software development methodology called the "Security Development Lifecycle" was incorporated in an effort to address concerns with the security of the Windows codebase. After "Longhorn" was named Windows Vista, an unprecedented beta-test program was started, which involved hundreds of thousands of volunteers and companies.

Answer 2

Longhorn is actually Windows XP. Microsoft has a tendency to give its operating systems code names while they are in development. I don't know why they do that but they did it with XP but I don't think they did it with Vista but I could be wrong.

Answer 3

It was the working name for what eventually became Microsoft Vista, an operating system.

Answer 4

Vista alpha,
Vista is the beta... (only noobs think its an upgrade...)