Microsoft Corp. is preparing a series of major changes to the security capabilities in the Windows client and server platforms, and they will further lock down the company's flagship operating systems.

In separate service packs due over the next six months, the Redmond, Wash., software developer plans to add several security features to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, according to company officials here at Comdex last week. Microsoft also plans to harden the client by turning off more services by default.

The biggest change will be in the server product, which will get a feature that can prevent unsecured machines from connecting to corporate networks.

The changes result from discussions that Microsoft executives have been having with customers about ways to improve the security of the company's products.

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