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Longhorn Beta Begins

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the bang-a-gong dept.

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."

4 of 400 comments (clear)

  1. Sounds like a PR firm made the info page here... by powerline22 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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!!

  2. Re:Why will I want to upgrade? by Donny+Smith · · Score: 5, Insightful

    >Why upgrade to XP when everything I need runs on 2000?

    I don't think you can "upgrade" from Win2K to XP anyway.

  3. Bah! This is Microsoft, remember? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

  4. Re:Why will I want to upgrade? by Koyaanisqatsi · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.