We're on the road again, this time to Longhorn, the next iteration of Windows. For the moment, despite a world of open-source competition, Microsoft is keeping specs close to the vest, hidden from everyone but its hardware and software partners. Most of what we officially know so far is that it's supposed to have a long-promised advanced file system, plus fancier graphics and better security--and that it won't be available before the year after next.

Since that schedule gives the company plenty of time to listen to its customers, get out your wish list. Here are a few things this long-suffering user would like to see Microsoft do this time around.

Buy better design: When Microsoft comes up with a user interface idea, it's usually a bad one. Overall, the Windows XP look and feel amounts to dopey giant icons plastered over the rotting structure of the past; the details are even worse, such as the Search function's resurrection of a moribund cartoon doggie from Office. Conclusion: Bring in outsiders, not Redmondians, and start over from scratch.

Repair the plumbing: Installed a printer lately? Then you know "Plug and Play" should be renamed "Whatever You Do, Don't Plug This Product In Before You Install Its Software From the CD, or You'll Be Sorry!" If anything, Plug and Play has gotten worse over the years--the version in XP botches monitor refresh rates. P and P's pipes need extensive repairs that are still compatible with the peripherals we've paid for. And oh, speaking of plumbing: How about delivering the crash-proof product that XP was supposed to be and clearly isn't?

Hire scribes: With each new release the geeks who churn out the help files add more volume but set new records for obfuscation. Now is the time to employ people who can clarify confusing products for hoi polloi. Even great design can't make this complex OS self-explanatory.

Plug the leaks: So far, Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative has amounted to lip service and an endless parade of patch downloads. Exactly why should users be forced to buy separate programs to prevent hacker attacks because security and integrity weren't built into the OS in the first place? As Bullwinkle used to say: "This time for sure."

Fix the fixers: We assume Microsoft won't get things right the first time. Or the fifth. But why can't the company at least get Windows Update to work? In my world, this service produces bizarre failures and delayed notifications, and it's rarely forthcoming about what's going on during the installation process.

Quit annoying: Windows 2000 omitted the very handy Msconfig program that first appeared in Windows 98. XP put the utility back, but if you use it to eliminate unwanted start-up programs, you have to dismiss two dialog boxes every time your machine boots up. The only other option is to click a little button that kills the dialog boxes--but also puts back all the programs you've eliminated. Windows' multiple irritations have provided endless fodder for the "Annoyances" Web site and book series; Longhorn needs to break the tradition.

From Windows 1.0 through XP, every new version has arrived with accompanying grand claims that soon proved hollow. Let's hope and pray that Longhorn isn't just another load of Microsoft bull.

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