Microsoft releases Vista beta to the 'public'

Microsoft has released another beta version of Windows Vista to the "public". The download is supposed to be for developers and IT professionals alike, but it seems that anyone with an Windows passport can sign up to download it.

Available in 3 languages (English, German and Japanese) the package is larger than previous versions with the 32-bit ISO requiring 3.5GB of disc space and the 64-bit ISO requiring a hefty 4.4GB of disc space - that's some serious downloading. Alternatively, you can request CDs free of charge.

Microsoft has temporarily suspended downloads due to high demand and there is a quota on the number of downloads which we suspect is to reduce piracy. But as we have learnt from previous private beta releases that have leaked it won't be long before someone makes the software available for permanent use, although Microsoft has warned that this beta is not to be used long term due to instability and security issues.

Required specs for the system has also changed slightly. For the premium version of vista to be installed you will need:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
  
• 1 GB of system memory.
  
• A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
  
• 128 MB of graphics memory.
  
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
  
• DVD-ROM Drive.
  
• Audio output capability.
  
• Internet access capability.

If you didn't already know, Windows Aero is the new 3D-like GUI being used in Windows Vista. Hopefully we will be seeing a new home OS for the first time in 6 years when Windows Vista is rolled out in early 2007.

If there are no more delays...

Have you tried the new beta? Has it fixed stability issues found in previous versions or is alls well and something to look forwards to? Let us know in the forums.