Re: OT- Longhorn
 

The 'special features' are more likely the reason for the huge system specs if this is correct. MS has to justify the need to upgrade, but most people are happy with the functionality of Windows 98. We have reached a 'plateau' of computer functionality (the Apple Macintosh interface, actually. Mac 84 = Windows 95 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ) and no new 'revolutionary' improvements seem to be in the wings. So they are resorting to 'bells and whistles' to make Longhorn look like some sort of big advance. Voice recognition (first made a default feature in XP) and the 3D desktop will use MUCH processing power and RAM. A second processor to handle all the fancy toys will no doubt make a big difference with Longhorn.

Re: OT- Longhorn
 

Funtionality in interface, yes. Where MS gets is by stopping release of updates. No more bug fixes for those new security holes.

It also means things like USB support (not in Win95), support for more than 512MB of ram (Win98 doesn't do that very well), etc..