Have you ever wondered why Microsoft renamed the Add/Remove Programs (XP and earlier) control panel applet to Programs and Features (Vista onwards)? It's possible that Microsoft is considering its own version of something comparable to Linux package management systems. For those that don't use Linux, think of it like a Windows Update for all your software. Such a system could completely revolutionize how users interact with software on Windows, not to mention the security advantages of only letting users install software deemed safe (which in turn could cause privacy concerns, of course).

Microsoft recently sent out a survey to Windows 7 beta participants, asking them various questions regarding "a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC." Participants were asked to give a rating of 1 to 9 (or pick "not applicable") for how important each of the following activities was for them:

The ability to install a program on my PC.

The ability to find the program I want to use on my PC.

The ability to have all programs on my PC up-to-date.

The ability for me to update specific programs on my PC at a time that is convenient for me.

The ability for me to remove a specific program on my PC.

The ability to set the schedule for updating programs on my PC.

The ability for a program to automatically configure settings it needs while it is being installed on my PC (e.g. there is no need for me to manually configure the firewall, etc).

The ability to block a program from being installed on my PC when the program publisher cannot be verified.

The ability to ensure that only programs on my PC from publishers I choose to trust can automatically stay up-to-date.

The ability to install programs on my PC from program publishers I trust, without any security prompts or warnings.

The ability to see security prompts or warnings when trying to install programs from publishers I had not previously chosen to trust.

The ability to install a program so that all the users sharing a PC can use it.

The ability to install a program and have it usable almost immediately.

The ability to install multiple programs on my PC at the same time.

The ability to install programs without causing any noticeable slow-down to other programs on the PC.

The ability to install a program without interrupting other activities I am doing on my PC.

The ability to know that my PC has all the necessary requirements a program needs before installing the program (e.g. memory, hard disk space).

The ability to know the identity of the company or vendor that created a program installed on my PC.

The ability to find reviews and ratings about a program before installing it on my PC.

The ability to quickly find the programs I use most frequently on my PC.

The ability install or update a program without the need for a reboot.

The ability to have a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC.

The ability to know which programs are causing problems on my PC.

The ability to restore a program to its original settings and behavior when it malfunctions.

The ability to install a program to a USB key.

The ability to discover which programs can be installed.

The ability to discover which programs can be removed.

The ability to discover the repair functionality for a malfunctioning program.

In short, Microsoft is trying to figure out what features and information Windows users would expect a potential software center to include. The software giant will have to work very hard with third party developers to get such a system working as wanted, but if that were somehow possible, it would definitely be worth the effort. Who wouldn't want to be able to search for software locally or on the Internet, look at reviews, check requirements, download, install, keep up-to-update, and repair any piece of software from one control panel applet? Hell, if I could lock down computers to only be able to install software from known companies, I'd be happy. Based on how well things go, we might just see such a feature in Windows 8. Maybe.