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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."
I didn't realize Microsoft was releasing it to consumers this early.
Where's the torrent?
In undeveloped countries, the consumer controls the market. In capitalist America, the market controls you.
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!!
Let's just hope Microsoft doesn't remove this beta management system by the time Longhorn is released, as has happened to so many other features.
It'll run, but it'll run like Christopher Reeves.
With all the features dropped recently, can't I just participate in the beta with my copy of XP?
Drag n' Drop DVD Recommendations
>Why upgrade to XP when everything I need runs on 2000?
I don't think you can "upgrade" from Win2K to XP anyway.
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.
Highly anticipated by virus writers. Gotta get a head start.
to see which color they picked for the Screen of Death.
You CAN upgrade from Windows 2000 to Windows XP professional. You cannot upgrade from Windows 2000 to Windows XP Home. See the following chart for complete upgrade options: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/m atrix.mspx
Christopher Reeve is dead you insensitive clod! ...which I must admit only strengthens your position.
Dear Microsoft Beta Tester,
l onghorn/lh5203/install/index.html
l onghorn/lh5203/post/index.html
0 3_screenshots.php
E 47E029C881677C8CE15B56|h=5UIG4BNLHRXSATG6CZWF5WZV5 QR2Y3M2|/
We are pleased to offer you an early preview of Windows, Code-Name "Longhorn," by extending this invitation to join the Longhorn beta program. Your participation is completely voluntary. Longhorn Beta Program participants will preview software for the next generation of Windows as well as Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. If you choose to participate you will have the opportunity to provide Microsoft with feedback as we continue work on these exciting new releases.
What is Windows Code-Name "Longhorn"?
The next version of Windows, Code-Name "Longhorn," promises to be the most secure and intuitive Windows release to date. It delivers on the promise of allowing people to use their computers more effectively and confidently to achieve their goals and pursue their passions. It offers new tools to help protect the integrity of your system and your information, easier ways to find, visualize and organize your information, and provides better integration across applications, devices and systems.
Longhorn will provide advancements in the following key areas:
- A strong focus on the fundamentals of the operating system, including advancements in reliability, performance, deployment, and ease of use.
- Major improvements to help PC users to work smarter and provide exciting new experiences for home users.
- The next-generation developer platform to make it easier for developers to create breakthrough applications.
What you can expect if you choose to participate:
You will be notified by email this summer when the software becomes available to test. The beta software will be available via download. If you elect to receive mailed releases, only major milestone releases (Beta1, Beta 2, etc) will be sent to you.
Participants can expect access to Windows, Windows Server, the Windows Driver Kit the Platform Software Development Kit as well as Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. We may make other software available as well, and it's important to note that some of the above software may not be available immediately after the program gets underway.
http://anyweb.kicks-ass.net/computers/os/windows/
http://anyweb.kicks-ass.net/computers/os/windows/
http://xerocool.innereyes.com/general/longhorn_52
ed2k://|file|lh5203screens.rar|12596567|016AAB080
Will trade 50 gmail invitations for one longhorn invitation
Open Source Alternatives
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.
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:5, Informative)
Offtopic, but how exactly can it be possible for a question to be moderated informative?
Could it be the same way a question can be moderated funny?
Note to mods: this joke doesn't work if you don't mod this up funny ;-)