Microsoft Releases 'Vista' Beta

In a surprising bow to the competition, meanwhile, Microsoft is including AOL search, AskJeeves, Google and Yahoo! searches in a toolbar search box in Internet Explorer 7 -- the next version of its Internet browser included in Windows Vista beta 1.

Other features in Windows Vista beta 1 include:

In security, new user account protection features to allow a PC's administrator to limit a machine's other users to specific applications. Other features would prevent security-compromised computers from connecting to an internal network unless security criteria are met.

Also, in security, anti-malware features to detect and remove worms, viruses and other malicious software during an upgrade. On first glance, it may look like such features will step on the toes of security software vendors such as Symantec(SYMC) and McAfee(MFE). But in fact, it's not clear that Microsoft will offer the same steady stream of software updates delivered by the security vendors whenever a new threat crops up.

In manageability, new technology to minimize reboots when installing software.

In performance, quicker startups with startup applications happening in the background while users perform their desired tasks.

Microsoft is expected to release a more detailed beta of Windows Vista at its annual developers conference in September in Los Angeles.

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