The .NET/Mono Framework has never been a single, unified stack and over the years Microsoft and Novell added several new versions to cover Linux, OS X, and mobile devices. With the introduction of Windows 8 and Visual Studio 11 we can expect one, maybe two more. In an attempt to clear up some of the confusion this article reintroduces all of the major profiles and many of the lessor know ones.
In the article “Develop your app for everyone–localize your UI”, Tim Heuer shows how to localize the language of a Windows 8 .NET App along with various tools that can help in the process.
Distributing the right applications and links to a user’s computer has always been a challenge. Login scripts tend to be fragile and tools that automatically install applications are often difficult to use. The increased use of personally owned computers and devices further complicates the story. Microsoft is attempting to fix both issues with Windows 8 and the Self-Service Portal.
As both the WebSocket Protocol and the WebSocket API gain full-fledged support in the Windows 8 Consumer preview, ASP.NET developers can start taking advantage of the bidirectional capabilities by using System.Web.WebSockets library.
Visual Basic 11 brings with it several new features including asynchronous functions and the long awaited iterators.
This week's Visual Studio 11 Beta release was quickly followed by the new Entity Framework 5 Beta, which has been awaiting features only supported in .NET Framework 4.5. EF 5 adds Enum and Spatial support, Table-Valued Functions, and the option to use LocalDB.
Microsoft has detailed Windows 8 for ARM: architected for low power consumption, apps that can only target WinRT, restricted desktop that allows only Office 15 and some Windows components to run.
Leaked information suggests that Microsoft is working on unifying the Windows ecosystem, while Windows Phone 8 will be based on WinRT rather than Windows CE.
Reports indicate that Windows 8 for ARM is now stable and headed for developers in February.
For the first time since 1993 Microsoft is posed to offer a new file system architecture. ReFS or Resilient File System is designed to both improve reliability and as a chance to drop obsolete features offered by NTFS.
Furthering their commitment to ubiquitous access, Windows 8 plans on offering universal password management. Windows 8 credential storage is intended to tie all other usernames names and password into a single account that will travel with the user. And this feature will be usable from all applications.
