Microsoft's Windows for Thin PCs Hits RC Stage
Thindows?
Microsoft has another new version of Windows coming up, but it doesn't end in the number 8. The Windows Team just released an RC of Windows Thin PC, or WinTPC, for more specific of restricted applications.
Microsoft's Karri Alexion-Tiernan blogged about some of WinTPC's virtues:
Customers like the reduced footprint of WinTPC – the machines they will likely use it on often have less disk space than brand new machines and WinTPC helps to ensure they will have adequate space. They also like the write filters which are helping customers to secure the device running WinTPC by preventing them from saving data or installing applications locally and they’re also pleased they can leverage their existing System Center products for management and deployment.
Windows Thin PC is expected to hit RTM sometime before summer.

Skeptical user is skeptical.
Join the Microsoft Connect site and you can test yourself...
Can I run applications on Windows Thin PC?
Yes, you can only run applications that fall into one of the following
categories:
• Remote desktop clients
• Management
• Security
• Media players
I'd say that's good
It's all about best practices. We're seeing a retarded OS built by retarded developers starting to adhere to best practice. Decades since... Well, since nothing, because some people were adhering to best practices all along. Like why is Android Linux based.
So, well done, Monkeysoft, well done. You're starting to adhere to best practices. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is using best-practice platforms to build new ideas.
Good luck!
People bitch about Windows having "bloat" then bitch when IE9 won't work on XP. Do you want MS to push things forward and create newer, thinner, modular operating systems or do you want support for 15 year old hardware and software?
You can't always have both.
this is why we have virtual machines. I don't always need for my software to be compatible with my software from 15 years ago. I really wish they would streamline the OS...But this locked down garbage is not what I am looking for
"Yes, you can only run applications that fall into one of the following
categories:
• Remote desktop clients
• Management
• Security
• Media players
However, you cannot run any productivity applications, such as
Microsoft Office and similar applications."
What an idiotic post! This was also available for Windows XP so it's NOTHING NEW!
? While testing Office and Plants Vs Zombies ran just fine thanks ?
No, you can 'set' install restrictions if you like. you have choices as it's not set in stone. Also, the default install does not restrict ANYTHING from being installed and kept, exactly like Win7.
Virtual machines are not an efficient answer for the consumer market, and don't address the legacy hardware problem.
The thin windows version is specifically for thin clients, dumb terminals, blah blah. Basically Bobby Cubicle remoting into a server to run business apps.
I'm with you in hoping Win8 goes the efficient, modular route. Fingers crossed!
Unix based OS's are modular, ones like Linux or OS X and one reason they are more secure and better overall. For Microbloat to go modular they would have to drop their NSA co-authored proprietary OS and join the rest of the world, not going to happen..