also @ TechSpot: Microsoft launches YouTube app, Google demands it taken down

› ›

Microsoft makes Vista kernel APIs available

By Justin Mann

On December 20, 2006, 8:34 PM

After receiving a lot of backlash from the community, Microsoft reluctantly agreed to open up certain parts of the Vista kernel to software developers, making it easier for them to create software that will work with it. Security software, in particular. Only two months after that agreement, they have delivered. In a statement released yesterday, Microsoft has delivered Vista kernel APIs, both the 32-bit and 64-bit sections of relevant code. It should give these companies exactly what they want:

The APIs will offer security and nonsecurity software makers the ability to develop software that extends the functionality of the Windows kernel on 64-bit systems in a documented and supported manner, without disabling or weakening the protection offered by kernel patch protection, Microsoft said.
This isn't everything they asked for, though Microsoft still intends to release updated versions in the future, during the release of Vista Service Pack 1.

No tags on this story

3 comments

User Comments: 3

Got something to say? Post a comment
  1. December 21, 2006 2:22 PM
    nathanskywalker said:
    [quote]certain parts[/quote]Part? That's going to come back to bite them. If they are going to let any of the source code for the kernel out, they should release all of it.
    Reply
  2. December 22, 2006 9:44 AM
    peas said:
    They're probably worried about security threats from hackers examining the code. If I were Microsoft, I would be worried too.
    Reply
  3. December 23, 2006 11:59 PM
    nimo333 said:
    I don't think that's a good idea Microsoft, I don't trust companies, I even think they are the ones that creates viruses and spyware so they can sell more of their anti-virus programs and stuff.
    Reply

Recently commented stories

Post a new comment

Social Login & Guest Posting TechSpot Members
Login here or sign up for free,
it takes about a minute.
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.
TechSpot on:

Most Popular

Trending Featured
More Trending Topics

Featured on Cameras

Downloads and Drivers

Downloads   Drivers  

J. River Media Center 18.0.187

ComicRack 0.9.169

Ashampoo UnInstaller 5.03

Files Terminator Free 2.5.0.11

Advanced Host Monitor 9.50

More Downloads

Latest Discussion

Bios update help 10 replies on Processors and Motherboards

Windows update completely stopped working, unknown error 8024402C 6 replies on Windows OS

Bitdefender 5 replies on Software Apps

Unacceptably high disk usage/performance lag Windows 8 43 replies on Windows OS

How did my Windows key become disabled? 8 replies on Other Hardware

More Recent Discussion

Subscribe to TechSpot

Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.