Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2012) |
| Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs | |
|---|---|
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| Developer | |
| Microsoft | |
| Website | www.microsoft.com/licensing/ sa/benefits/fundamentals.mspx |
| Releases | |
| Initial release | July 8, 2006[citation needed] |
| Latest stable release |
5.1.2600.5512 Service Pack 3 (SP3) (October 7, 2008) [info] |
| Source model | Shared source |
| License | Proprietary commercial software |
| Kernel type | Hybrid kernel |
| Platform support | IA-32 |
| Succeeded by | Windows Thin PC[1] |
| Support status | |
| Current | |
| Further reading | |
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs ("WinFLP") is a thin client operating system from Microsoft, based on Windows XP Embedded,[2] but optimized for older, less powerful hardware. It was released on July 8, 2006. Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is not marketed as a full-fledged general purpose operating system, although it is functionally able to perform most of the tasks generally associated with one. It includes only certain functionality for local workloads such as security, management, document viewing related tasks and the .NET Framework. It is designed to work as a client–server solution with RDP clients or other third party clients such as Citrix ICA.[citation needed]
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History [edit]
WinFLP was originally announced with codenames "Eiger" and "Mönch" (names of mountains in the Swiss Alps) in mid-2005.
The RTM version of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was released on July 8, 2006.
Technical specifications [edit]
Microsoft positions WinFLP as an operating system that provides basic computing services on older hardware, while still providing core management features of more recent Windows releases, such as Windows Firewall, Group Policy, Automatic Updates, and other management services. However, it is not considered to be a general-purpose OS by Microsoft.[3]
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a Windows XP Embedded derivative and, as such, is optimized for legacy PCs. It requires significantly fewer system resources than the fully featured Windows XP.[2] It also features basic networking, extended peripheral support[clarification needed], DirectX, and the ability to launch the remote desktop clients from compact discs. In addition to local applications, it offers support for those hosted on a remote server using Remote Desktop.[2] It can be installed on a local hard drive, or configured to run on a diskless workstation.[citation needed]
The installer for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs uses a modern GUI based install process, similar to the one in Windows Vista.
Advantages [edit]
In addition to giving better performance on older machines, the reduced number of files increases boot speed, and the reduced number of services also improves security and responsiveness. People with old hardware unable to run an updated version of Windows XP usefully have the opportunity to use a more secure version of Windows than the older, unpatched OSes.
Hardware requirements [edit]
| CPU | Pentium 233 MHz (300 MHz recommended) |
|---|---|
| Memory | 64 MB (128 MB recommended) |
| Graphics hardware | 800×600 computer monitor |
| Hard disk space | 610 MB (1 GB recommended) |
| Network hardware | Optional |
Despite being optimized for older PCs, the hardware requirements are similar to Windows XP, although it is faster running on slower clock speeds than Windows XP.[citation needed]
Limitations [edit]
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs has a smaller feature set than Windows XP. For example, WinFLP does not include Paint, Outlook Express and Windows games such as Solitaire. Another limitation is the absence of the Compatibility tab in the Properties... dialog box for executable files.
Availability [edit]
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is exclusively available to Microsoft Software Assurance customers, as it is designed to be an inexpensive upgrade option for corporations that have a number of Windows 9x computers, but lack the hardware necessary to support the latest Windows. It is not available through retail or OEM channels.
On October 7, 2008, Service Pack 3 for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was made available.[4]
On April 18, 2013, Service Pack 3 for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (version 3) was made available.[5]
References [edit]
- ^ Windows Thin PC
- ^ a b c "Microsoft Software Assurance Benefits - Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs". Microsoft Volume Licensing. Retrieved July 25, 2009. "Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is based on the Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 (SP2) operating system"
- ^ "Microsoft Software Assurance - Frequently Asked Questions". Microsoft Volume Licensing. Retrieved January 31, 2010. "→Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs →Q:Can Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs function as a general-purpose operating system? →A: No. Microsoft Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a small-footprint Windows-based operating system solution designed to work with the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client or third-party clients, such as Citrix IC It allows for a limited number of workloads to be executed locally, including security software, management software, terminal emulation software, document viewers, and the .NET Framework."
- ^ "Download Details: Service Pack 3 for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs". Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft Corporation. October 7, 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2010.
- ^ "Service Pack 3 for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs". Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft Corporation. April 18, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
External links [edit]
- Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs home page on Microsoft's official site (Archived)
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