Windows 7 might be getting all the attention lately, but Windows XP is having a quiet little renaissance of its own — not only have sales of the venerable OS been extended until 2010, Microsoft is selling an ultra-secure version to the Air Force. The custom build ships with over 600 settings bolted down, and a security patch turnaround of just 72 hours compared to the standard edition’s 57 days — all because Steve Ballmer personally stepped in and approved the project at the Air Force’s request. The effort’s to standardize and preconfigure the OS has paid off: 85 percent of previous known exploits have been blocked, support call volume has dropped 40 percent, and the USAF has saved some $100 million in costs. Nice — but don’t get your hopes up, since it doesn’t seem like Microsoft has any intention of selling this version to the public.

[Via Slashdot]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Air Force now using super-secure version of Windows XP originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Safety for the Super Bowl – Herald Tribune

MIAMI - The vast security operation protecting the Super Bowl and surrounding events ranges from Air Force F-16s patrolling the skies above Miami on game day to a buffer zone extending at least 100 yards out from the stadium. No one without a credential or ticket can get past that barrier -- and ... Here is the original post:  Safety for the Super Bowl - Herald Tribune

Protecting against a ‘lone wolf’ at the Super Bowl – Herald Tribune

MIAMI - The vast security operation protecting the Super Bowl and surrounding events ranges from Air Force F-16s patrolling the skies above Miami on game day to a buffer zone extending at least 100 yards out from the stadium. No one without a credential or ticket can get past that barrier - and ... View original post here: Protecting against a 'lone wolf' at the Super Bowl - Herald Tribune

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