| Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs | |
|---|---|
| Developer | |
| Microsoft | |
| Website | Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs website |
| Releases | |
| Release date | July 8, 2006 |
| Current version | 5.1.2600.5512 Service Pack 3 (SP3) (October 7, 2008) [info] |
| Source model | Shared source |
| License | Proprietary commercial software (Microsoft EULA) |
| Kernel type | Hybrid kernel |
| Platform support | Intel 32-bit architecture |
| Succeeded by | Windows Thin PC[1] |
| Support status | |
| Current | |
| Further reading | |
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs ("WinFLP") is a thin client operating system from Microsoft, based on Windows XP Embedded[2], but optimized for older, less powerful hardware. It was released on 8 July 2006. Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is not marketed as a full-fledged general purpose operating system, although it is functionally able to perform most of the tasks generally associated with one. It includes only certain functionality for local workloads such as security, management, document viewing related tasks and the .NET Framework. It is designed to work as a client–server solution with RDP clients or other third party clients such as Citrix ICA.
Contents |
WinFLP was originally announced with codenames "Eiger" and "Mönch" (names of mountains in the Swiss Alps) in mid-2005.
The RTM version of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was released on 8 July 2006.
Microsoft positions WinFLP as an operating system that provides basic computing services on older hardware, while still providing core management features of more recent Windows releases, such as Windows Firewall, Group Policy, Automatic Updates, and other management services. However, it is not considered to be a general-purpose OS by Microsoft.[3]
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a Windows XP Embedded derivative and, as such, is optimized for legacy PCs. It requires significantly fewer system resources than the fully featured Windows XP.[2] It also features basic networking, extended peripheral support, DirectX, and the ability to launch the remote desktop clients from compact discs. In addition to local applications, it offers support for those hosted on a remote server using Remote Desktop.[2] It can be installed on a local hard drive, or configured to run on a disk-less workstation.
The installer for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs uses an image-based installation system similar to Vista's installer.
In addition to giving better performance on older machines, the reduced number of files increases boot speed, and the reduced number of services also improves security and responsiveness. People with old hardware unable to run an updated version of Windows XP usefully have the opportunity to use a more secure version of Windows than the older, unpatched OSes.
| CPU | Pentium 233 MHz (300 MHz recommended) |
|---|---|
| Memory | 64 MB (128 MB recommended) |
| Graphics hardware | 800×600 computer monitor |
| Hard disk space | 610 MB (1 GB recommended) |
| Network hardware | Optional |
Despite being optimized for older PCs, the hardware requirements are similar to Windows XP, although, it is faster running on slower clock speeds than Windows XP.
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, as the name suggests, has a smaller feature set than a full Windows XP install. For example, some software, such as Outlook Express, is unavailable, even with a full install. Some system tools are also excluded from WinFLP;[4] however, these utilities are rarely used by end users, and are generally replaceable with free tools (or potentially with files from a full XP install). In addition, the operating system does not include full support for terminal-based connections. Another limitation is the absence of the Compatibility tab in the properties for executable files.
WinFLP does not normally include several applications, such as Solitaire and other games, or MSPaint, but does include the Calculator, Wordpad and Notepad.
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is exclusively available to Microsoft Software Assurance customers, as it is designed to be an inexpensive upgrade option for corporations that have a number of Windows 9x computers, but lack the hardware necessary to support the latest Windows. It is not available through retail or OEM channels.
On 7 October 2008, Service Pack 3 for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was made available.[5]
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