Is Microsoft working on a software center for Windows?

[Slimy]

Have you ever wondered why Microsoft renamed the Add/Remove Programs (XP and earlier) control panel applet to Programs and Features (Vista onwards)? It's possible that Microsoft is considering its own version of something comparable to Linux package management systems. For those that don't use Linux, think of it like a Windows Update for all your software. Such a system could completely revolutionize how users interact with software on Windows, not to mention the security advantages of only letting users install software deemed safe (which in turn could cause privacy concerns, of course).

Microsoft recently sent out a survey to Windows 7 beta participants, asking them various questions regarding "a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC."

Full Story: http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2009/01/21/is-microsoft-working-on-a-software-center-for-windows

 

[garysgold]

Thanks Slimy. Interesting idea.

Gary

 

[smarteyeball]

I got the survey e-mail, clicked on the link to get started and got "service unavailable' lol

 

[davehc]

I could be wrong, but I think they are think they are letting their imaginations run away.
I am sure the only reason for the change was that, with the new Control Panel in Vista, items were packaged under various headings. Add/remove programs did not, by any means, cover the package. (nor did it, in fact, completely, in XP) They have merely corrected a wrong.