It's now official – the next version of Microsoft's operating system, codenamed Longhorn, will be known as Windows Vista.
Sneak was puzzled as to why Microsoft should have chosen this particular brand to represent its next release, which is expected to be the most significant since Windows 95.
Perhaps the name is meant to evoke the immense vista of time that already seems to have passed since Longhorn first appeared on Microsoft's product roadmap. Or has the name been carefully selected so that when the first major flaws are found in it, Bill Gates can shrug his shoulders and say "Hasta la Vista, baby" ?

22 Jul 2005