Windows 32bit Family XP RTM - 5.1.2600
XP SP1a - 1106
XP SP2 - 2180
Server 2003 RTM - 5.2.3790
Server 2003 SP1 - 1830
Server 2003 SP2 - 3959
Vista RTM - 6000.16386
Server 2008 Beta 3 - 6001.16510
Windows 64bit Family XP 64bit RTM - 5.2.3790.1830
XP 64bit SP2 - 3959
Server 2003 64bit RTM - 5.2.3790.1830
Server 2003 64bit SP2 - 3959
Vista 64bit RTM - 6000.16386
Server 2008 64bit Beta 3 - 6001.16510
Microsoft's much anticipated beta 1 build of Windows codename 'Longhorn' is just around the corner...
Invites to join the beta program started arriving in testers email inboxes yesterday and will continue to arrive over the next few days. We have received confirmation from many MVP's as well as others that were able to sign up at WinHec in April that they can now login and see a new Longhorn program available to them.
Microsoft Connect
Microsoft used this email to announce the launch of a new site http://connect.microsoft.com which looks to be the new home of Microsoft beta programs for now.
No explanation was given by Microsoft as to why the switch was made or if it will be the sole portal to beta builds for all of it's beta programs or just a select few. From what we understand the new site may well replace betaplace and perhaps even windowsbeta as well.
Beta 1 - is it going to be a 510x build or 5203?
Earlier today screenshots were released claiming to be of 'Longhorn' build 5203.
Quite a number of people are claiming this to be the build number of Beta 1 but it simply cannot be, regardless of the validity of the screenshots.
WinBeta has confirmed that elements contained in the screenshots are included in 52xx builds but not in 510x. The 50xx builds and 510x builds are the branch that contains what will become Beta 1.
We have had numerous queries as to why 5203 cannot be Beta 1 and here's why...
The Beta 1 branch was 50xx-51xx. Build 5101 is currently in escrow but is expected to fail to pass muster. Expect to see a final build number for Beta 1 in the range 510x-511x.
The 52xx builds that are currently being produced inside Microsoft are part of the Beta 2 branch and contain elements that will not and have not been included in the Beta 1 branch.
Basically, a point was chosen for groups to 'Branch-off' from the 51xx builds and start adding elements to the codebase which would be used for Beta 2. The builds are being regularly produced and will eventually contain the new 'Aero' visual elements.
The leak of the screenshots that are claimed to be of 5203 will be embarressing for Microsoft in that many Beta 1 testers will be wanting to skip Beta 1 and jump right to Beta 2's 52xx builds.
Internet Explorer 7 is contained in Longhorn Beta 1 and has been included for quite some time although until recently it had been tagged as IE6.50xx. IE7 includes direct support for multiple tabs unlike the MSN toolbar tab extension currently in use to try to extend the shelf-life of IE6.
The beta program 'Longhorn' promises to be qute a ride. We will be here to help guide you all the way through to the end...which should be somewhere right around Service Pack 3!
Posted by DavidQ (10 posts) on Saturday, Jul 9, 2005, 4:58 pm
(1 replies to this Comment) | - IP: Hidden
anonymous: i have to print a pdf, get it signed by my parents, and send it to microsoft just because im 16. did i sign up correctly, is this really necessary for testing microsoft longhorn beta??
Posted by Matt (132 posts) on Saturday, Jul 9, 2005, 6:04 pm
- IP: Hidden
Beta 1 is interesting but remember - unlike previous betas it's only about 33% feature complete. Normally beta testing starts with builds that are 85-90% feature complete.
Beta 2 is going to be a BIG step forward from Beta 1.
Posted by Don (8 posts) on Saturday, Jul 9, 2005, 6:57 pm
- IP: Hidden
No one should worry, at this point, about not receiving an email. If you still don't have one in a week or two then it's time to worry. MS never sends out all invites together and I have personally received some days after others got theirs.
Posted by porscheman (9 posts) on Wednesday, Jul 13, 2005, 12:51 am
- IP: Hidden
has anyone faxed microsoft the parent consent form sucessfully?? becuase i sent it, and later saw the attn:Microsoft Connect at the bottom, does that matter?
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