Microsoft Considers Removing Virtualization Function from Vista

A certain demonstration on virtualization functions led one of the key members of Microsoft's Windows Client Product Planning team to make a startling statement. Last August at a Black Hat security conference a demonstration showed how to exploit the virtualization functions to install a rootkit onto a Windows Vista kernel beta. This scared Microsoft and Scott Woodgate expressed considering the total removal of virtualization function from Vista operating system.

Not long back Intel and its rival chipmaker, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. had developed virtualization compatible hooks fixed to microprocessors. The objective was to enhance virtualization capabilities but according to Woodgate the process would create a security hole, where malicious programs run without detection.

With the help of virtualization a computer can imitate several other machines even if they have different operating systems. This is possible by running several applications simultaneously, but in different pockets of the PC.

Microsoft says imposing restrictions is necessary in the light of security reasons. But there could be disputes on that. The true reason could be an entrepreneurial decision that Microsoft doesn't want to elaborate.

The move for virtualization compatible hooks could confuse consumers even more given that there is a series of Vista versions available and Microsoft is letting some of them to operate in virtual environments. Yet, the software giant curtails the system's abilities by blocking access to Vista's BitLocker data-encryption facility and playing music or video.

The Home Basic edition of Vista rates US $199 against US $299 for the Enterprise version. The first one is the cheapest Vista version for all others against the cheapest Vista version for Mac users. This implies that users of Mac OS and Linux have to pay an additional $100 referred as tax simply because they want to operate Vista on Virtualization-enabled system.

There is immense advantage for businesses from virtualization technology because they use abundant powerful hardware unlike standard use in households. They put together a number of older servers and then run multiple virtual machines. This cuts on costs, improves reliability due to lesser need for backups and security, and uses less power and space.

Related article: Microsoft Patches Live OneCare to Tackle Quarantined E-Mails

» SPAMfighter News - 3/8/2007