Microsoft ships Vista Beta 2 ... and more

Now from a personal experience, I've been using Vista and Office System2007 Beta 1 and some intrim builds for few months now. And I have see it progress so much. It's getting more stable, issues are being resolved, features added, and code complete. It has been a delight to use. One thing I didn't like much is that office replaced all my shortcuts. So I can't do "Ctrl-Shift-C" to copy style, it opens something else.

Announced today by Microsoft CEO and Chief software architect Bill Gates at WinHEC

Windows Vista Beta2 , Windows server Beta2(Code named Longhorn)�And Microsoft Office System 2007 Beta2. Are the betas for the three most important products that Microsoft makes. And it's biggest money makers.

During the opening Keynote from Gates, he handed the first DVD's containing the new beta releases. The crowd of almost 3000 went wild at the announcement.

This release reassures the consumers that Microsoft is on track for its major software releases in November. A schedule that has been in doubt and contested by many due to the major rework Vista had to go through. Rigorous testing, Security threat modeling, pumped up security, secure by default, better graphics support, Native wifi, Nap features (Network access protection), InternetExplorer7+ (beta2)��and much more. Industry experts are extremely excited at the long awaited release. And worried about Microsoft delivering on time due to the fact that Microsoft has slipped before and missed the 2006 holiday season.�Beta 2's of the products are available for IT professionals with subscription to TechNet or MSDN, Beta customers, and Technology Adoption programs.� In the coming weeks they will be inviting a larger audience of technology enthusiasts.

Check the following pictures for the new office looks and feel http://www.betanews.com/slideshow/Office_2007/118

Now from a personal experience, I've been using Vista and Office System2007 Beta 1 and some intrim builds for few months now. And I have see it progress so much. It's getting more stable, issues are being resolved, features added, and code complete. It has been a delight to use. One thing I didn't like much is that office replaced all my shortcuts. So I can't do "Ctrl-Shift-C" to copy style, it opens something else.

But those worries are over now, they have a Office system 2003 compatibility mode where I can still use my old keyboard shortcuts to ease the transition up to the latest and greatest ofcourse ... You know .. I won't be caught running anything but the latest and greatest ... EVEN if that means running�a Beta