Longhorn Beta Begins 400
gcnaddict writes "Microsoft has officially sent invitations to their best beta testers and to WinHEC participants for their Windows Code Name Longhorn beta program. They also unveiled a new Beta Client which promises to be better than the current beta management systems, and will replace other means of beta distribution, including WindowsBeta and BetaPlace all in one fell swoop. While the new, highly anticipated operating system is not up for download, Beta 1 is expected to be up for grabs later this month. Unfortunately, it seems that the preliminary invitation codes are unique per user. Microsoft is expected to allow the public to apply for the beta program later this summer, and as usual, Longhorn will be a part of the Community Technology Preview program."
Beta begins? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Beta begins? (Score:2)
A boy can dream, can't he?
Re:Beta begins? (Score:4, Funny)
highly anticipated? (Score:4, Funny)
What is CowboyNeil smoking?
Re:highly anticipated? (Score:5, Funny)
Everything Enabled? (Score:4, Interesting)
glits? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:glits? (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:2, Informative)
If previous betas (of Whistler/XP) are any indication, this beta should have about 70-80% of the features in the final product, including the interface. But considering the interface is the easiest thing to change, I wouldn't count on the 'glits' being the one found in the final product.
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:3, Informative)
Now let's see if this gets modded informative too
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:5, Informative)
Offtopic, but how exactly can it be possible for a question to be moderated informative?
Could it be the same way a question can be moderated funny?
Note to mods: this joke doesn't work if you don't mod this up funny ;-)
Re:Everything Enabled? (Score:4, Interesting)
I love these games! I'll take a +5 Interesting please.
Obligatory.. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Obligatory.. (Score:2)
I know I speak for Sladhotters when I say... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:I know I speak for Sladhotters when I say... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:I know I speak for Sladhotters when I say... (Score:5, Funny)
Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Funny)
It never crashes
I don't get viruses or spyware or hacks
All the software I need works fine
I have all the connectivity I need
So why is expecting people to upgrade?
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Insightful)
I never upgraded the machine I run Windows on from 2000. Why upgrade to XP when everything I need runs on 2000?
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:5, Insightful)
I don't think you can "upgrade" from Win2K to XP anyway.
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:5, Funny)
*<---------------Your head
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:2)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:2)
They tweak it continuously.
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Informative)
If you have a HT capable computer, it is worth upgrading to XP.
The remote desktop functionality built into the desktop is pretty cool too, but not worth upgrading for unless y
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:4, Informative)
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=88756
You need to be re-educated. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:4, Insightful)
So: Non developers are fine with what they have and don't need Longhorn. ..but developers need Longhorn, so that they can develop programs so that the non-developers who don't need Longhorn can use Longhorn?
That makes sense (unfortunately, from Microsoft's perspective, it actually does make sense).
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Insightful)
If all windows code would still run in win95, then most of *that* would run in wine.
And if half the stuff from back in the dos--> win95 days was written RIGHT (ie, with actual exception checking and stuff) most of that would run fine in wine too.
Sorry.. I've had some programs that were sent with flow meters which were originally written (badly) for dos. And then branded as working with "any version of windows". Yeah, it will, as long as it's not an NT based
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:2)
Buy a lottery ticket.
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:4, Funny)
Because the new IE included in Longhorn includes Clippy saying "Hey, something about your grammer isn't right!" when posting to slashdot!
Please upgrade, for the children...
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:5, Funny)
Clippy: "You look like you're downloading a virus, do you need help with that?"
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:2)
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:5, Insightful)
I use XP at work, my box is up for about 20 days now, I even installed MSDE (the lite version of SQL Server) withouth having to reboot.
Viruses or spyware? Never had any, but I know when to delete that "cute screensaver", instead of cliking thorough.
People bash MS a bit too much around here, IMHO.
Oh well, karma be dammed.
Re:Why will I want to upgrade? (Score:4, Insightful)
You posting this statement here says something about you as well, doesn't it?
I use XP at work, my box is up for about 20 days now, I even installed MSDE (the lite version of SQL Server) withouth having to reboot.
Wow, impressive, a desktop box running without a reboot for 20 days and you didn't even have to reboot it to install some "lite" database system.
A couple of pointers:
1. Real Men don't brag about uptime until it can be measured in years.
2. A Real System is never rebooted.
Viruses or spyware? Never had any, but I know when to delete that "cute screensaver", instead of cliking thorough.
What are viruses and spyware, and what is this screensaver stuff anyway? BTW, the fact that you have to worry about stuff like "cute screensaver" tells a lot about MS's security approach, don't you think?
People bash MS a bit too much around here, IMHO.
Actually MS is not bashed enough for the amount of crap they produce and the headaches they induce, IMHO.
Sweet! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Sweet! (Score:2)
Re:Sweet! (Score:3, Interesting)
Sounds like a PR firm made the info page here... (Score:5, Insightful)
Avalon: new opportunities for developing exciting applications while reducing complexity
Indigo: radically simplifies how the next generation of connected systems will be built.
AERO: a new design philosophy that delivers a compelling user experience from the moment users start interacting with the computer to the moment they leave.
Compelling? I don't want my UI to be a driving force or something like that. I want it to be easy and simple. Exciting applications? When was the last time that Microsoft Excel got your blood pumping and you wanted to scream HELL YEA! THIS IS AWESOME!!
Why... (Score:2, Funny)
...when they got rid of Clippy of course.
You have not seen excited? (Score:4, Funny)
Excel (Score:2)
Scary, eh?
Re:Sounds like a PR firm made the info page here.. (Score:2)
Re:Sounds like a PR firm made the info page here.. (Score:4, Funny)
At least they added a new feature (Score:5, Funny)
let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:2)
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:2)
Now why I want an OS named after a breed of cattle... I can't answer.
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:5, Funny)
Maybe the guys writing it worship cows or something?
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:5, Interesting)
XP was code-named "Whistler," a large ski mountain north of Redmond. The next version of Windows was therefore suposed to be codenamed "Blackcomb" -- the other mountain in the ski area. Except that Blackcomb's feature list got so long, they realized it'd take them five or more years to pull it all off, so they decided to split the more neccessary features into a release that'd come out sooner than Blackcomb. The obvious choice of name for this release is called Longhorn -- the bar that sits between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
So when you think Windows, think beer!
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:5, Funny)
Biran with long horn BREAK Kimarhi's horn.
Kimarhi will have beta OS, defeat Biran's long horn.
Also true in anglophone nations (Score:2)
Given the traditional meaning and use behind the phrase is that the husband has been shamed and/or humiliated publically by his wife, it does suggest some interesting ideas for interpreting what it means to receive Mi
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:2)
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:2)
Re:let me explain something about longhorn... (Score:3, Insightful)
Urban Legend (Score:3, Funny)
Favorite example:
Would you refuse to buy a dinette set called 'Notable' because, obviously, it says there is "no table"?
Already got this... (Score:5, Funny)
Wrong name (Score:5, Funny)
With all the visual frosting MS is laying on Longhorn is turning into an episode of "Pimp my OS"
Re:Wrong name (Score:2)
p.s. Insert simila
Re:Wrong name (Score:2)
Re:Wrong name (Score:2)
Disclaimer and marketing hype history.. (Score:4, Insightful)
and what do we know of MS marketing hype history?
I heard that... (Score:2, Funny)
Screenshots of build 5203 (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Screenshots of build 5203 (Score:2)
You can also download a free program to change your logon screen.
What I really wanted to see were the new innovations that were supposed to be shipped with Longhorn, like the new filesystem. Sadly, some of them will be missing in order to meet the deadlines.
Cheers,
Adolfo
Re:Screenshots of build 5203 (Score:2)
I did notice about the spyware wrappers, but to my experience, only a few of them have them.
Re:Screenshots of build 5203 (Score:3, Funny)
Bah! This is Microsoft, remember? (Score:5, Insightful)
Wow, great! (Score:4, Funny)
ahem... (Score:2, Informative)
"This Web site describes current aspirations, scenarios, and advancements being considered for the family of future Microsoft Windows client operating system offerings, code-named Longhorn. There is no guarantee, implied or otherwise, concerning final Longhorn release features or attributes. This statement of the Longhorn aspirations was last updated April 25, 2005."
I can't wait (Score:5, Funny)
color has already been picked (Score:2)
Most secure? (Score:2, Interesting)
Questions for those with access to the beta (Score:3, Interesting)
I know the last alpha or whatever that people had screenshots of was supposed to be for testing driver or whatever, but holy crap, it was a total UI train wreck. Just ugly, with styles mashed together at random, for no reason.
So, has it been fixed? Or will that be in Longhorn SP2?
Where's the beef? (Score:2)
A very incomplete list off the top of my head (Score:2, Informative)
Re:A very incomplete list off the top of my head (Score:3, Interesting)
MacOS X 10.2, August 23, 2002.
http://www.atzenbeck.de/research/wildWindows/ [atzenbeck.de]
http://homepage.cs.latrobe.edu.au/wjtregaskis/Rota ted%20Windows.sitx [latrobe.edu.au]
Wow. (Score:5, Funny)
Quite impressive as XP obviously isn't even out of beta yet.
Copy Of Invite And Link To Screenshots (Score:5, Informative)
We are pleased to offer you an early preview of Windows, Code-Name "Longhorn," by extending this invitation to join the Longhorn beta program. Your participation is completely voluntary. Longhorn Beta Program participants will preview software for the next generation of Windows as well as Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. If you choose to participate you will have the opportunity to provide Microsoft with feedback as we continue work on these exciting new releases.
What is Windows Code-Name "Longhorn"?
The next version of Windows, Code-Name "Longhorn," promises to be the most secure and intuitive Windows release to date. It delivers on the promise of allowing people to use their computers more effectively and confidently to achieve their goals and pursue their passions. It offers new tools to help protect the integrity of your system and your information, easier ways to find, visualize and organize your information, and provides better integration across applications, devices and systems.
Longhorn will provide advancements in the following key areas:
- A strong focus on the fundamentals of the operating system, including advancements in reliability, performance, deployment, and ease of use.
- Major improvements to help PC users to work smarter and provide exciting new experiences for home users.
- The next-generation developer platform to make it easier for developers to create breakthrough applications.
What you can expect if you choose to participate:
You will be notified by email this summer when the software becomes available to test. The beta software will be available via download. If you elect to receive mailed releases, only major milestone releases (Beta1, Beta 2, etc) will be sent to you.
Participants can expect access to Windows, Windows Server, the Windows Driver Kit the Platform Software Development Kit as well as Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. We may make other software available as well, and it's important to note that some of the above software may not be available immediately after the program gets underway.
http://anyweb.kicks-ass.net/computers/os/windows/
http://anyweb.kicks-ass.net/computers/os/windows/
http://xerocool.innereyes.com/general/longhorn_52
ed2k://|file|lh5203screens.rar|12596567|016AAB080
trade invitation (Score:5, Funny)
Re:trade invitation (Score:3, Funny)
Some invitations you can from almost anyone or the right to use a buggy version of Windows XP...
When? (Score:2, Funny)
VMware (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Windows by any other name, and ... (Score:3, Funny)
LongTooth!
Re:Windows by any other name, and ... (Score:2)
I think Wronghorn might be more appropriate.
Re:Send them back. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Send them back. (Score:2)
Bitching about it on a web site where everybody will validate your opinions for you, on the other hand...
Re:Send them back. (Score:2)
-- james
Re:Send them back. (Score:3, Interesting)
Um. Yup. That's what'd I do. And I'm not even a Linux zealot ^_^
Re:i'm in! (Score:2, Insightful)
Think of it as "working for MS without getting paid."
Re:can anyone tell me a single compelling reason.. (Score:2)
It't not as if that's different from any industry in the world. You need very little, but companies tell you you need very much. It's how capitalism works.
Re:can anyone tell me a single compelling reason.. (Score:2, Insightful)
Because it will be bundled with every new computer they buy. Eventually the Windows XP update source will be shut down so you won't be able to get security patches. You'll either need to upgrade or risk having your machine be easily exploitable.
Oh oh oh!! I have an even better one... Microsoft could deactivate your copy of Windows XP or shut down their Windows XP activation process so you can't re-activate new installations once you upgrade your machi
Re:can anyone tell me a single compelling reason.. (Score:3, Funny)