
'Can't wait til 2007 to get your hands on the new OS? Then click here... '
By Ina Fried
Published: 8 June 2006 08:30 GMT
After months of limited testing, Microsoft late on Wednesday made a beta version of Windows Vista publicly available for download.
The company kicked off what it called its "Customer Preview Program", a testing period in which the software maker hopes millions of tech enthusiasts will kick the tyres on the new operating system.
The company said in a statement: "Microsoft today kicked off the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP), providing the broadest access yet to pre-release test versions of Windows Vista."
Microsoft is aiming to wrap up testing and development of Vista later this year in the hopes of a broad launch in January. The company released Beta 2 last month to a more limited group of testers and had promised the broader test would come shortly.
The software maker is still cautioning that Vista is not ready for the average consumer, pitching the CPP as suited for developers and tech workers, as well as hard-core enthusiasts who don't mind a few bugs and have a spare machine for testing. Microsoft also recommends those interested in the CPP run its recently released adviser tool, which helps detect how Vista-ready a PC is.
People can either download the software from Microsoft's website or pay a small fee to get it on DVD.
Although Microsoft is looking for millions of testers, it has said it may cap the test programme at some point.
Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com
Microsoft clashes with Adobe over PDF support
Microsoft beefs up Vista's buffer
Vista still "on track", says Ballmer
Microsoft makes plans for Vistagami
Microsoft to take away staff admin rights?
Vista won't crack the living room, says AMD
Ballmer: Symantec suit 'won't hold back Vista'
1 x 1st/ 2nd line support analsyt (18,000- 24,000) > MCSE and MCP (ideally in Windows Vista) qualified within the last 2 years > 2 years 1st and 2nd ...
They have therefore recently released their regular request for candidates for their fantastic IT graduate scheme in London. As an award ...
Support Manager - Mac, Windows 2000, XP, Vista. Support Manager - Mac, Windows 2000, XP, Vista. Due to continued success and growth, they are looking ...
Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.
Stories from the web...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Limited. All rights reserved. Top of page
Bob Tarzey Why you must rein in your power users When they do damage, it can be catastrophic to your business
Jon Collins Is losing a mobile device really such a big deal? How to minimise the damage to your business