Longhorn Graphics Subsystem

The “Longhorn” graphics subsystem offers numerous new features for advanced PCs, but will also run on less-capable hardware, according to Microsoft.

Those who run Longhorn on older hardware can choose either a user interface (UI) that resembles the UI in Windows 2000 (currently the most popular OS in corporate environments; by making this choice, corporations will reduce training costs) or a “To Go” interface that contains many of the elements in the new UI designed for Longhorn. The latter UI will also be best for mobile systems or low-cost PCs that lack the video hardware required to run the full Longhorn graphics subsystem.

Hardware that is fully compatible with Longhorn will see the most advanced interface, based on the Avalon desktop composition engine. This interface supports high-resolution screens, can scale desktop elements, and can show icons up to 250 x 250 pixels that display a preview of a file. They also have visual characteristics, such as a glassy appearance (both reflective and transparent), drop shadows, and animations.