Microsoft releases Vista beta.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp. has released the first test copies of Windows Vista, the next version of the company's desktop operating system. Vista, formerly known as Long-horn, is scheduled for general release by the end of 2006, with a server version planned for 2007. The beta test is intended as an early preview for 10,000 Microsoft developer subscribers, says Windows Vista product marketing manager David Weeks. Vista features include a newlook user interface with transparent windows, 'virtual' folders that put information into a single view, improved search tools, task automation technology, and an experimental version of the Internet Explorer 7 web browser that allows tab browsing so that users can keep several web pages open in one window