Seemingly, the up and coming Windows Vista will boast its own under-the-hood P2P networking system, utilizing Microsoft's Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP). This protocol is used to link machines in much the same way applications like Limewire, BitTorrent and the various instant messaging programs do, and Microsoft plans to use the technology to provide network services without the need for a server.
When the operating system formerly known as Longhorn is booted, the system automatically signs on to the distributed P2P network.
Microsoft said the feature will be turned off when users install the finished version of Vista, due sometime next year, the report notes. It is currently monitoring the security impact of enabling PNRP, it said.