Microsoft Preparing the Application Distribution System for Windows

Have you ever questioned Microsoft's decision to change the name of the application "Add / Remove Programs" in Windows XP and earlier into "Programs and Features" in Vista? It is possible that Microsoft is considering a package management system similar to that of the various Linux distributions (for example in Debian APT, RPM in Red Hat). Such systems will revolutionize the way users interact with Windows applications, while providing some benefits in the form of security because it only allows users to install applications that are secure only.

For you who do not quite understand the package management system, the system allows users to search, download install and update applications with ease, without having to visit various websites to download the search application.

Microsoft recently asked the beta testers of Windows 7, asking for input from them about the "single place to find and update management for programs on your PC." The participants were asked to indicate (1 - 9) how important the features below for them:

* The ability to install a program on my PC.
* The ability to find the program I want to use on my PC.
* The ability to have all programs on my PC up-to-date.
* The ability for me to update specific programs on my PC at a time that is convenient for me.
* The ability for me to remove a specific program on my PC.
* The ability to set the schedule for updating the programs on my PC.
* The ability for a program to automatically configure settings it needs while it is being installed on my PC (eg there is no need for me to manually configure the firewall, etc).
* The ability to block a program from being installed on my PC when the program publisher can not be verified.
* The ability to Ensure that only programs on my PC from publishers I choose to trust can automatically stay up-to-date.
* The ability to install programs on my PC from programs publishers I trust, without any security prompts or warnings.
* The ability to see the security prompts or warnings when trying to install programs from publishers I had not previously chosen to trust.
* The ability to install a program so that all the users sharing a PC can use it.
* The ability to install a program and have it usable almost immediately.
* The ability to install multiple programs on my PC at the same time.
* The ability to install programs without causing any noticeable slow-down to other programs on the PC.
* The ability to install a program without interrupting other activities I am doing on my PC.
* The ability to know that my PC has all the necessary requirements needs a program before installing the program (eg memory, hard disk space).
* The ability to know the identity of the company or vendor that created a program installed on my PC.
* The ability to find reviews and ratings about a program before installing it on my PC.
* The ability to quickly find the programs I use most frequently on my PC.
* The ability install or update a program without the need for a reboot.
* The ability to have a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC.
* The ability to know which programs are causing problems on my PC.
* The ability to restore a program to its original settings and behavior when it malfunctions.
* The ability to install a program to a USB key.
* The ability to discover which programs can be installed.
* The ability to discover which programs can be removed.
* The ability to discover the repair functionality for a malfunctioning program.

In short, Microsoft wants to know what features it wanted Windows users from an application distribution system. The world's largest technology companies seem to be working hard with many third-party developers to design this system well, but if this system can achieve similar functionality in the Debian APT system will surely be a major breakthrough. Who would not want the features to look for the application locally on a PC, the Internet, download, install, update all applications from one application only? Maybe this system will be completed when Windows 8 comes (or whatever name the successor of Windows OS 7).