Windows Vista Free Test Drive

Windows Vista should be hitting the shelves in about a week, along with Microsoft’s newest version of Office.  If you’re like most, you’ll wait at least a short while before implementing the products in your office.  However, you can get a sneak preview of the product right in your web browser.

Microsoft has set up a website that allows you to play around with Vista, as well as Office 2007, via a Virtual Machine web browser plugin.  When first connecting to the site, you’ll be prompted to install an ActiveX control.  Once completed, you will be able to use Windows Vista through your web browser.  To launch the session, click on one of the “Test Drive” buttons (related to any of the new features).  Just about all the operating system functions are available via the Start menu, as well as many full applications such as Office 2007.  Speed is a little slow, but there is a lot of graphic content being pushed through the system.

It’s a great way to get a feel for some of the new functions, such as the new searching capabilities, toolbar functionality, etc.  If you haven’t played around with the Office 2007 betas, now’s your chance to try out Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 2007.

To access the test drive, use the following link:

http://www.windowsvistatestdrive.com/

John