Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2

SEATTLE - Windows Vista moved a big step closer to completion today as Microsoft formally released Beta 2 of its next-generation flagship operating system. Microsoft Corp. has released Windows Vista? Beta 2 to developers and IT professionals with Microsoft? Developer Network (MSDN?) and TechNet subscriptions, as well as to members of the Technology Adoption Program (TAP) and the TechBeta program. Microsoft will also make Windows Vista Beta 2 more broadly available in the coming weeks as part of the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP). Microsoft is aiming for business availability of Windows Vista in November 2006, and general consumer and new PC availability in January 2007.

Windows Vista - the next version of Windows, formerly code-named Longhorn. Windows Vista introduces a breakthrough user experience and is designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience.
The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.

Windows Vista Beta 2 is now available for IT professionals and developers with MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. In the coming weeks, Microsoft will start the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP) for developers and IT professionals who are not members of the subscription services.

The Windows Vista CPP will also be available to technology enthusiasts that want to install and test a copy of Windows Vista Beta 2. You can get a head start on your Windows Vista CPP preparation by visiting the Get Ready section of Microsoft Vista site and downloading the Windows Vista Product Guide (60 MB Word doc).