Paul's Picks

Windows Vista Beta 2
PROS: Feature-complete; includes deployment tools
CONS: Buggy; unreliable; doesn't mesh well with other Microsoft betas
RATING:3 1/2 out of 5
RECOMMENDATION: Windows Vista Beta 2 has the deployment tools that corporations will need to roll out Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. But Beta 2 has problems with the beta code in Office 2007 and Windows Live Messenger (which has since been finalized), and the x64 versions have gaping compatibility problems (e.g., with hardware drivers). You can put off deploying Vista, but don't delay compatibility testing and product evaluation; glitches aside, Beta 2 provides everything you need to know about the next Windows OS.
CONTACT: Microsoft * 800-426-9400 * http://www.microsoft.com
FULL REVIEW: * http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winvista_beta2.asp

Windows Server Longhorn Beta 2
PROS: Major improvements over Longhorn Server Beta 1 and Windows Server 2003
CONS: Not widely available; not feature complete
RATING: 5 out of 5
RECOMMENDATION: Longhorn Server Beta 2 is a home run, full of major functional improvements. New server roles and the accompanying Server Manager make it more manageable and secure than Beta 1, and the new version of Microsoft IIS offers similar advantages. The Server Core version has no GUI and a minimal set of services, coupling excellent infrastructure potential (e.g., as a DHCP server) with a minimal attack surface. Beta 2 isn't widely available, though; if you can get your hands on it, do so.
CONTACT: Microsoft * 800-426-9400 * http://www.microsoft.com
FULL REVIEW: http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/lhs_beta2.asp

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