Windows Longhorn/6.0.3683.Lab06 N.020923-1821

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6.0.3683.Lab0_N.020923-1821
Kernel version	6.0
CPU architecture	x86
Edition	Media Center Edition Professional
BIOS date	24th September 2002

Windows "Longhorn" build 3683 (with a build tag of 3683.Lab06_N.020923-1821) is a build of the Microsoft Windows "Longhorn" operating system. Compiled on September 23, 2002, build 3683 is one of the first builds leaked to the public on November 19, 2002, after some screenshots have been published since October 20, 2002. Due to the operating system being so early in the development process, only a small number of changes were observed from Windows XP. It is the first build to include the Desktop Composition Engine,which provides window transparency and visual effects, but it's very buggy.

Features in build 3683 include the Plex visual style, Internet Explorer 6.05, the Windows Sidebar, and a display settings applet based on the Windows Presentation Foundation (then codenamed Avalon).

Build 3683 is incompatible with a number of applications that require Windows XP or earlier. Many of these compatibility issues can be solved by running applications in Windows Compatibility Mode or by editing the CSDVersion key located in the Windows Registry.

Although this build is stable when compared to later builds of "Longhorn", Windows Explorer is known to crash frequently and will occasionally fail to terminate while ending the computer session.

Main changes

This build showed for the first time:

• the new Plex theme;
• a new side bar, where it was possible to integrate XML-based components called "tiles" (eventually released with the name of "gadgets" in Windows Vista's Windows Sidebar), including a digital clock, a photo slideshow, a search feature and a multiple desktop manager, and optionally also the Start button by disabling the traditional taskbar;
• the new "Windows Future Storage" (WinFS) file system, considered by first beta testers just a memory and CPU waste for its minimum integration with the user interface;
• a new "Display Properties" control panel, created on the new "Avalon" API (later disappeared in build 3706), with some options for desktop wallpaper and with advanced display properties;
• new version 6.05 of Internet Explorer, with the new "Media" bar;
• a beta version of DirectX 9.

Several new features appeared in Windows Explorer:

• a new big horizontal panel under Windows Explorer toolbars, called "breadcrumb bar", which can be disabled from "Folder Options", with custom appearance for special folders "My Documents", "My Pictures", "My Music", with animated effects on thumbnails in the case of multiple selections (later disappeared in build 3718);
• the new "My Contacts" special folder (not yet functional);
• an enhanced address bar;
• the previews of the folder contents inside their icons in the "Tiles" view mode;
• the possibility of filtering the folder contents in the "Details" view mode in Windows Explorer;
• a new slider to change the icon size;
• the possibility to group the folder contents with specific criteria;
• the possibility to select files and folders through checkboxes (later disappeared in build 3706);
• a new interface for "Open" and "Save As" dialog windows.

External links

• "Longhorn" Alpha Preview - Build 3683 reviewed by Paul Thurrott] https://www.itprotoday.com/longhorn-alpha-preview
• Longhorn pre-alpha M3 - a user perspective.....
• Microsoft Windows Longhorn. Сборка 6.0.3683
• Longhorn Leaks to the Web