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Longhorn Beta Begins
gcnaddict writes "Microsoft has officially sent invitations to their best beta testers and to WinHEC participants for their Windows Code Name Longhorn beta program. They also unveiled a new Beta Client which promises to be better than the current beta management systems, and will replace other means of beta distribution, including WindowsBeta and BetaPlace all in one fell swoop. While the new, highly anticipated operating system is not up for download, Beta 1 is expected to be up for grabs later this month. Unfortunately, it seems that the preliminary invitation codes are unique per user. Microsoft is expected to allow the public to apply for the beta program later this summer, and as usual, Longhorn will be a part of the Community Technology Preview program."
Reading this makes me want to punch myself in the face with all of the marketing-speak.
Avalon: new opportunities for developing exciting applications while reducing complexity
Indigo: radically simplifies how the next generation of connected systems will be built.
AERO: a new design philosophy that delivers a compelling user experience from the moment users start interacting with the computer to the moment they leave.
Compelling? I don't want my UI to be a driving force or something like that. I want it to be easy and simple. Exciting applications? When was the last time that Microsoft Excel got your blood pumping and you wanted to scream HELL YEA! THIS IS AWESOME!!
>Why upgrade to XP when everything I need runs on 2000?
I don't think you can "upgrade" from Win2K to XP anyway.
"This Web site describes current aspirations, scenarios, and advancements being considered for the family of future Microsoft Windows client operating system offerings, code-named Longhorn. There is no guarantee, implied or otherwise, concerning final Longhorn release features or attributes. This statement of the Longhorn aspirations was last updated April 25, 2005."
and what do we know of MS marketing hype history?
why do people buy new cars when their old one isnt broken? why did you buy a dvd player when your vcr still worked fine? people want ease-of-use and gimmicks. the middle aged computer noobs and cartuning teens will be able to eat their hearts out! even MORE useless blingbling! YAY! (win2k forever 3)
me and my thinkpad, sittin' in a tree, c-o-d-i-n-g...
They're starting the alpha now-- the beta test doesn't begin until it's on store shelves, and lasts until SP1 (what they SHOULD have shipped as the final product) is released.
So: Non developers are fine with what they have and don't need Longhorn. ..but developers need Longhorn, so that they can develop programs so that the non-developers who don't need Longhorn can use Longhorn?
That makes sense (unfortunately, from Microsoft's perspective, it actually does make sense).
Parent is marked as funny, goes to show the level of maturity of the mods here.
I use XP at work, my box is up for about 20 days now, I even installed MSDE (the lite version of SQL Server) withouth having to reboot.
Viruses or spyware? Never had any, but I know when to delete that "cute screensaver", instead of cliking thorough.
People bash MS a bit too much around here, IMHO.
Oh well, karma be dammed.
You posting this statement here says something about you as well, doesn't it?
I use XP at work, my box is up for about 20 days now, I even installed MSDE (the lite version of SQL Server) withouth having to reboot.
Wow, impressive, a desktop box running without a reboot for 20 days and you didn't even have to reboot it to install some "lite" database system.
A couple of pointers:
1. Real Men don't brag about uptime until it can be measured in years.
2. A Real System is never rebooted.
Viruses or spyware? Never had any, but I know when to delete that "cute screensaver", instead of cliking thorough.
What are viruses and spyware, and what is this screensaver stuff anyway? BTW, the fact that you have to worry about stuff like "cute screensaver" tells a lot about MS's security approach, don't you think?
People bash MS a bit too much around here, IMHO.
Actually MS is not bashed enough for the amount of crap they produce and the headaches they induce, IMHO.
I feel so sig.