| Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs | |
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Screenshot: | winflp.png |
| Website: | Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs |
| Source Model: | Shared source |
| License: | Microsoft EULA |
| Kernel Type: | Hybrid kernel |
| First Release Date: | July 8, 2006 |
| Release Version: | RTM |
| Release Date: | July 8, 2006 |
| Support Status: | Current |
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs ("WinFLP") is a thin client operating system from Microsoft, based on Windows XP Embedded, but optimized for older, less powerful hardware. It was released on July 8, 2006. Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is not a full-fledged general purpose operating system. It includes only certain functionality for local workloads such as security, management, document viewing related tasks and the .NET Framework. It is designed to work as a client-server solution with RDP clients or other third party clients such as Citrix ICA.
WinFLP was originally announced with codenames "Eiger" and "Mönch" (names of mountains in the Swiss Alps) in mid-2005.
The RTM version of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was released on July 8, 2006.
Microsoft positions WinFLP as an operating system that provides basic computing services on older hardware, while still providing core management features of more recent Windows releases, such as Windows Firewall, Group Policy, Automatic Updates, and other management services. However, it is not considered to be a general-purpose OS by Microsoft.[1]
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a Windows XP Embedded derivative and, as such, is optimized for legacy PCs. It requires significantly less system resources than the fully-featured Windows XP.[2]
WinFLP supports most Windows XP/2000 applications and drivers. It also features basic networking, extended peripheral support, DirectX, and the ability to launch the remote desktop clients from compact discs. In addition, WinFLP offers support for local applications, as well as those hosted on a remote server using Remote Desktop. It can be installed on a local hard drive, or configured to run on a diskless workstation.
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs has numerous downsides, having fewer features than Windows XP. For example, some software, such as Outlook Express, is unavailable, even with a full install. Games and some system tools are also excluded from WinFLP[3]. In addition, the operating system does not include full support for terminal-based connections, the joystick calibration control panel (JOY.CPL), the NULL.SYS software device (used by Cygwin to implement /dev/null)[4], and support for certain command prompt commands (e.g. TSKILL, NET START, etc.).
WinFLP may have some compatibility issues with certain older applications and drivers.
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is exclusively available to Software Assurance customers, as it is designed to be an inexpensive upgrade option for corporations that have a number of Windows 9x computers, but lack the hardware necessary to support the latest Windows. It is not available through retail or OEM channels.
| Minimum requirements | Recommended requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 233 MHz Pentium class processor or higher | 300 MHz Pentium class processor or higher |
| RAM | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Free hard drive space | 610 MB | 1 GB |
| Display | 800 x 600 or higher display resolution |