Microsoft Releases First Public Beta for ‘Longhorn’
Microsoft released the feature-complete, third beta for Windows Server "Longhorn" on April 25, which is also the first public beta of the software.
New and improved features in Beta 3 include the following:
• Windows PowerShell is now included in the product.
• Active Directory Federation Services improvements allow customers to implement new policies and make it easier to set up a relationship between trusted partners.
• The Server Core installation option now comes with additional roles and enhanced functionality, such as print services and Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services.
• The Server Manager console includes additional remote administration tools to provide a more integrated management environment.
• Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, now on by default, provides a persistent and more secure environment beginning at installation.
• NAP is integrated with Microsoft Update and Windows Update to enable administrators to decide which updates are critical and set policies accordingly. It also has a new administrative interface for simplified setup, scalability and better performance.
AMD Recommending Windows !!
"AMD encourages customers to download the beta and begin their evaluations today. As a next-generation operating system, Windows Server 'Longhorn' is designed to take advantage of the innovative features of the AMD Opteron processor, including 64-bit, multicore, virtualization and power management," said Joe Menard, the corporate vice president of software strategy at AMD.
The product remains on track for release to manufacturing in the second half of 2007, and the beta code can be downloaded here.