Paul's Picks - 25 Oct 2005

WinFS Beta 1

Contact: Microsoft * 800-426-9400Web: http://www.microsoft.comPrice: $500SummaryPros: Further along than expected; optional installation availableCons: Not well integrated into the OS; still buggy in this early beta versionRating: 2 out of 5Recommendation:Essentially a relational database–based storage engine for custom applications, WinFS works like a typical Windows folder or partition. Applications will eventually use this data-store technology to parse, aggregate, and present views of data. WinFS will sit on top of NTFS in future versions of Windows and offer improvements to core subsystems such as Active Directory (AD) and the Exchange Information Store. Those days, alas, are still far away.Full Review: http://www.itprotoday.com/article/showcase/windows-storage-foundation-winfs-preview.aspx

Windows Vista Virtual Folders

Contact: Microsoft * 800-426-9400Web: http://www.microsoft.comPrice: $500SummaryPros: Seamlessly adds saved search queries as a new kind of folder; shields users from file system complexitiesCons: Not as powerful as it could have been with WinFS; Apple Computer implemented it first in Mac OS X TigerRating: 4 out of 5Recommendation:Some of the most important Windows Vista changes involve what Microsoft calls data organization and visualization, which rely on the key technology of virtual folders. Virtual folders are just saved search queries that run each time you open the folder. Some virtual folders are built in to Windows Vista and replace special shell folders in earlier Windows versions, but you can easily make your own virtual folders simply by saving any search. This feature is a huge reason to consider the Windows Vista upgrade.Full Review: http://www.itprotoday.com/article/showcase/working-with-display-drivers-in-windows-vista-beta-1.aspx