In late October, Microsoft announced the beta of the second service pack for Windows Vista and Server 2008. This beta was limited in audience, and today Microsoft has fixed that: it opened up the beta for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, and coming Thursday, it will be opened to the general public. The releases will be distributed via TechNet.   via osnews.com  

Microsoft plans to offer one more public test version of Internet Explorer 8 before releasing the final version of the updated browser, the company said late Wednesday. The next test, essentially a "release candidate" version will come in the first quarter of 2009. That means the final release won't hit Microsoft's initial goal of finishing the browser this year. "Our next public release of IE (typically called a "release candidate") indicates the end of the beta period," general manager Dean Ha

A long and detailed preview of Windows 7 appeared on ActiveWin. Many screenshots included. "It's safe to say I am overwhelmed, overjoyed and most of all excited about Windows 7", the author concludes.   via osnews.com

Today, the Windows 7 operating system was announced at PDC. Attendees heard how the forthcoming release can help customers leverage previous investments in the Windows Vista operating system. Enhance security and control. Reduce power consumption. And seamlessly connect their people and devices.

Celebrating 25 years For 25 years, Microsoft Press books have focused on helping you take your skills and knowledge to the next level. Celebrate our 25th Anniversary with a "Free E-Book of the Month" offer! Simply sign up for the Microsoft Press Book Connection Newsletter for notification of offers, register, and download the selection of the month.   Windows Server® 2008 TCP/IP Protocols and Services by Joseph Davies ISBN: 9780735624474   Your essential guide to TCP/IP—fully updated fo

"Windows 2000 code was 5.0 and then we shipped Windows XP as 5.1, even though it was a major release we didn't' want to change code version numbers to maximize application compatibility."   ...   "That brings us to Windows Vista, which is 6.0. So we see Windows 7 as our next logical significant release and 7th in the family of Windows releases."   ...   "So we decided to ship the Windows 7 code as Windows 6.1 - which is what you will see in the actual version of the product in cmd.exe o

Clinic 5935 - Introducing Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008   This 2-hour online clinic provides IT Professionals experienced in Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 with the knowledge and skills to implement and manage Hyper-V in an IT environment.   Topics covered in the clinic include:   Features of Hyper-V Features of server consolidation Hyper-V implementation Creation of virtual machines Dynamic datacenters Clustering in virtual environments   Access it online at

Do you want a free hypervisor – Now you can download Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008.   Licensing Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008   Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 is a stand-alone product that will be available via the Microsoft Download Center free of charge. Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 does not require CALs for the product itself. CALs will be required for all Windows Server virtualized operating systems which are hosted on Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008. Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 will