Windows Shell Porting Task

A Windows Shell Porting Task is a system migration project that transfers Windows user interface shells between different Windows operating system versions or architectures.

• AKA: Windows UI Shell Migration, Explorer Shell Porting, Windows Desktop Shell Transfer.
• Context:
  • It can typically require API Translation through compatibility layers.
  • It can typically involve Registry Migration using registry mapping tools.
  • It can often necessitate COM Object Porting via interface adaptation.
  • It can often demand Resource File Conversion through resource compilers.
  • It can support Backward Compatibility using shim layers.
  • It can enable Feature Parity via functionality mapping.
  • It can facilitate User Experience Consistency through interface preservation.
  • It can range from being a Minor Windows Shell Porting Task to being a Major Windows Shell Porting Task, depending on its architectural difference.
  • It can range from being a 32-bit Windows Shell Porting Task to being a 64-bit Windows Shell Porting Task, depending on its bitness transition.
  • It can range from being a Forward Windows Shell Porting Task to being a Backward Windows Shell Porting Task, depending on its version direction.
  • It can range from being a Partial Windows Shell Porting Task to being a Complete Windows Shell Porting Task, depending on its component scope.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Historical Windows Shell Ports, such as:
    • Windows 95 to NT 4.0 Shell Port - Dave Plummer's project.
    • Windows XP to Server 2003 Shell Port - server adaptation.
    • Windows 7 to Windows 8 Shell Port - Metro integration.
  • Shell Component Porting, such as:
    • Start Menu Porting - navigation system migration.
    • Taskbar Porting - task management interface.
    • Explorer Porting - file management shell.
    • Control Panel Porting - settings interface migration.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Linux Desktop Environment Porting, which involves different paradigms.
  • Mobile UI Porting, which targets touch interfaces.
  • Web Application Porting, which uses browser technologies.
• See: Software Porting Task, Windows Shell, Windows NT Operating System, Windows 95 Operating System, Dave Plummer, API Compatibility, User Interface Migration, Operating System Development.

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