• March 27, 2001 •
Bill Gates Announces the Availability of Microsoft Windows XP Beta 2
By: Arie Slob
Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp., yesterday announced the availability of Windows® XP beta 2, the new Microsoft Windows operating system for home and work, at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC). Distributed to hundreds of thousands of testers, beta 2 provides the opportunity for continued testing of the next version of Microsoft's new operating system. Windows XP, the new Windows with a new look, is built on an enhanced Windows 2000 engine that enables exciting new experiences, giving users the freedom to unlock the possibilities of the digital world.
"The broad distribution of Windows XP beta 2 through the MSDN® developer program, TechNet, Microsoft's own internal testing, and the technical beta program represent Microsoft's commitment to working with our partners, customers and employees to make sure Windows XP is rock-solid," said Chris Jones, vice president of the Client Group in the Windows division at Microsoft. "This is an ideal time for developers to build and test hardware and software for Windows XP so our customers will have the best computing experience when Windows XP is released later this year."
Beta 2 provides testers with the first look at the exciting new visual design of Windows XP. The task-based approach helps users quickly find and complete tasks, and the intelligent design helps them get things done by adapting to their usage patterns.
Windows XP beta 2 includes the first public beta of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 technologies. Internet Explorer 6 is the underlying feature of Windows XP that enables the Internet experiences within the operating system, and the first beta version of the Internet Explorer 6 technologies includes a first look at many new and enhanced features that will give users of Windows XP a new way to experience the Internet.
Internet Explorer 6 features a new visual design as well as innovative browser capabilities, including enhanced Explorer Bars, integrated instant messaging, media playback and automatic picture resizing, as well as improved privacy for personal information on the Web and unparalleled support for Internet industry standards. In addition to being easier to customize and deploy, Internet Explorer 6 is a feature-rich platform for building Web-based applications and developing compelling content for users.
Consumers Invited to Join the Windows XP Preview Program
Consumers interested in being the first to check out Windows XP can register for the Windows XP Preview Program. Participants will receive an e-mail notification when Windows XP is available through the Windows XP Preview Program. This special offer is a release candidate-based preview program that will allow users to test-drive Windows XP. Users who sign up also will be automatically enrolled for receipt of the Windows XP Preview Program Newsletter, which will contain technical information on how to take advantage of the powerful new functionality that only Windows XP can deliver. More information can be found at the Microsoft Windows XP Web site.
I will be posting a review of Windows XP beta 2 as soon as I get my hands on the code.