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Originally Posted by mbpark
Tom,
Yes, Microsoft did order a rewrite of Vista two years ago.
However, it's going to take a long time to go through over 40 million lines of code, and also the design decisions made in the past.
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Changes to procedures in the ‘software development kit’ does not mean existing program code changes. But it does mean that all Windows legacy code has been rewritten in Vista to include those new security procedures.
Unknown is the condition of hardware drivers. Drivers have access to the OS that regular applications do not. A Vista compatible driver rewritten for security must include the new 'software development kit' procedures and would meet other new security requirements.
And so the unanswered question is whether old drivers will still work in Vista. It would explain, for example, why some devices will not operate under Vista.
Yes, old application software should still work in Vista. Upgrades to application software should include those new security enhancements. The point is not that all software code will or must be upgraded. The point is that new security code means all of Vista has been rewritten and that new security enhancements might mean some older drivers may not work. But then hardware manufacturers are expected to provide upgraded drivers - and for free.
Change is necessary for life - no matter how some don't like it.