Microsoft outlines Windows 7 software certification requirements

[lodore]

link (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=16080)

looks list a nice list

The software must meet the following requirements:
Install and uninstall cleanly
Install to the correct folders by default
Support x64 versions of Windows
Follow User Account Control (UAC) Guidelines
Do not load Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
Digitally Sign Files
Do not prevent an installation or application from launching because of OS version checking
Prevent unnecessary reboots
Support multiuser sessions
Minimise application failures

i really like the install and uninstall cleanly. all the big names will have to work hard for this.
looks like microsoft cares about it customers and wants windows 7 to be there best OS ever.

would anyone here add anything to that list?

[ambient_88]

It's good to hear that Microsoft is trying to make Windows better by requiring developers to follow certain guidelines.

[Escalader]

{QUOTE-> link (http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=16080)

looks list a nice list

The software must meet the following requirements:
Install and uninstall cleanly
Install to the correct folders by default
Support x64 versions of Windows
Follow User Account Control (UAC) Guidelines
Do not load Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
Digitally Sign Files
Do not prevent an installation or application from launching because of OS version checking
Prevent unnecessary reboots
Support multiuser sessions
Minimise application failures

i really like the install and uninstall cleanly. all the big names will have to work hard for this.
looks like microsoft cares about it customers and wants windows 7 to be there best OS ever.

would anyone here add anything to that list? <-QUOTE}

Hi Lodore:

Thanks for this! Very interesting. I like the 3 policies in the link as well!

The only items I would add were just above the list you gave the thread:



{QUOTE-> In other words, Microsoft has published a document that outlines a set of requirements that need to be met if you'd like to have the "Certified for Windows 7" logo residing on your product.
The 10-page document can be download from Microsoft.com (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0d4b263e-929e-43ae-be3d-e9e38fe42b3a&displaylang=en), but the key points are as follows:
To obtain the logo the applicant must:

Include business and technical owners for all submissions
Opt in to receive communications from Microsoft about their products
Include a copy and license of the software for compatibility testing purposes
Along with Microsoft agree to a 30-90 day resolution policy for all issues identified in market with logo’d products
Ensure the application adheres to all policies and passes all requirements in this documentThe software must adhere to the following policies:

Comply with Anti-spyware Coalition Guidelines
Do not modify WRP protected resources
Ensure ongoing quality <-QUOTE}

[KookyMan]

Except it comes down to the question, is it easier and more profitable to continue with "business as usual", or to actually rewrite large parts of a program to meet compatibility guidelines?

How many programs really do go for the "Certified for use with Windows xxx"

And how much has the benefit of that been lost after the whole Vista Capable scandal last time?

[Escalader]

{QUOTE-> Except it comes down to the question, is it easier and more profitable to continue with "business as usual", or to actually rewrite large parts of a program to meet compatibility guidelines?

How many programs really do go for the "Certified for use with Windows xxx"

And how much has the benefit of that been lost after the whole Vista Capable scandal last time? <-QUOTE}

Yes, good point. How would your question get answered? Would a poll make sense as to how many of the products we all use here at WSF have this Certified...... thingy?

Thoughts?

[lodore]

i would also be interested if someone could find what is needed for the software certification for vista? how much has changed from that to the set above for windows 7.

[midway40]

List of Windows [Vista] Security and Compatibility Requirements

1.1 Follow User Account Control Guidelines
1.2 Support x64 Versions of Windows Vista
1.3 Sign Files
1.4 Sign Drivers
1.6 Perform Version Checking Properly
1.8 Support Concurrent User Sessions
1.10 Avoid Loading Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
1.11 Follow Anti-Malware Policies

Source (http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:rh-j0VFrw-sJ:download.microsoft.com/download/8/e/4/8e4c929d-679a-4238-8c21-2dcc8ed1f35c/Windows%2520Vista%2520Software%2520Logo%2520Spec%25201.1.doc+WINDOWS+VISTA+SOFTWARE+CERTIFICATION&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a)

[lodore]

{QUOTE-> List of Windows [Vista] Security and Compatibility Requirements

1.1 Follow User Account Control Guidelines
1.2 Support x64 Versions of Windows Vista
1.3 Sign Files
1.4 Sign Drivers
1.6 Perform Version Checking Properly
1.8 Support Concurrent User Sessions
1.10 Avoid Loading Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
1.11 Follow Anti-Malware Policies

Source (http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:rh-j0VFrw-sJ:download.microsoft.com/download/8/e/4/8e4c929d-679a-4238-8c21-2dcc8ed1f35c/Windows%2520Vista%2520Software%2520Logo%2520Spec%25201.1.doc+WINDOWS+VISTA+SOFTWARE+CERTIFICATION&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a) <-QUOTE}

hmm pretty close. i think most vendors just wont bother to get the certification lol.
hp,epson,acronis etc would have to rework there programs alot to comploy with the windows 7 certification with regards to clean install and uninstall. its nice that microsoft is trying to get be strict about what programs are made for there platform but im sure most big companies wont bother getting certified to much work.


what are the guidelines of the Anti-spyware Coalition?