Windows Vista to 'freeze dry' PCs before patching

The next version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system will include new patching technology that reduces the number of required restarts and stores user data before reboots.

Code-named “Freeze Dry,” the technology uses a new restart manager in Windows Vista, a Microsoft representative said in a statement Friday. In most cases, consumers won’t have to restart Windows Vista when installing or updating an application, according to Microsoft.

It will even be possible to patch some applications while they are in use, the software maker said. “Windows Vista automatically replaces the file the next time the application is restarted,” the Microsoft representative said. Vista, previously code-named Longhorn, is due out by the end of next year.

To safeguard user data when an application restart is required after patching, Windows Vista can save the person’s data, close the application, apply the patch and restart the application, Microsoft said. “As a result, most updates need not interrupt users’ work,” the company said.

Full article: ZDNet News