Longhorn Graphics & Driver Architecture
Spinner
Birmingham, UK
In the next version of Windows the graphics and driver architecture will be quite different to that of Windows 2000 and XP. In addition to the new API the new OS will boast support for two driver types, one is retained for compatibility with the old drivers (XP/2000) and the second is new drivers, developed specially for Longhorn and its improved graphics systems. The compatibly driver will only support a basic graphics interface (like currently used by XP).
Source: Digit-LifeInterestingly, the new driver model provides two levels — basic and advanced. Basic drivers can be developed for the current hardware as well, without requiring from the devices any functions, specifically intended for the new Longhorn features. These drivers will provide a minimum necessary level for the new API and new driver model, but not always optimal in terms of performance or usability. Advanced drivers require special hardware support for some specific issues, in the first place having to do with resource management, virtual memory, and competitive workflows from applications to hardware devices. That is hardware must be designed with regard to LDM specifications and understand some special system data structures. In this case new functions of the kernel and Longhorn driver model will be executed in the fastest, most reliable and effective way.
Of course, right after this operating system is released, most drivers will operate in the XP compatibility mode or in the basic LDM mode — it will take time for Longhorn designed hardware to appear in a variety. But there will gradually appear an increasing number of devices with sterling advanced LDM support, video cards in the first place — the new system features are especially important to them. Think about it — new drivers will be able to considerably reduce system call latencies (the main scourge of modern 3D hardware acceleration), to raise the efficiency of memory and resource management - it will all be done automatically, requiring no resources from applications or programmers.
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