According to others on the , Release Preview requires that the "NX" feature of the processor must be enabled. NX, which stands for "Never eXecute," is a security technology used by most modern CPUs, and can be switched on by editing the PC's BIOS settings.

Microsoft calls the NX technology "Data Execution Prevention," or DEP, within Windows, where it's used as a crucial part of the operating system's anti-exploit portfolio.

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . His email address is .

See .

in Computerworld's Windows Topic Center.