Next Windows Server available for public beta testing

Redmond (WA) - Microsoft has made its upcoming Windows Server, dubbed "Longhorn" available for beta testers. Anyone with a Microsoft Live ID can download Longhorn Beta 3 and try out some of the new features like the read-only domain controller and PowerShell.

There are several versions of Longhorn available for download. Both 32-bit and 64-bit software can be found along with a special 64-bit Itanium version. People who don’t want to spend hours downloading the multi-hundred megabyte software can order a DVD from Microsoft.

Windows Domain Controllers typically synchronize with other domain controllers. While this synchronization helps keep all the user accounts and other information in line, it can also become a nightmare if someone maliciously starts deleting or changing information. Read-only domain controllers have now been added for server environments where the physical security of the server "cannot be guaranteed" according to Microsoft.

PowerShell is a new command line interface that includes hundreds of management tools along with a scripting language, something that Unix and Linux has had for years in the form of PHP and PERL.

Longhorn will be replacing Windows Server 2003 and is expected to officially debut in the second half of 2007.

Here is the link for the download. - Microsoft Longhorn Beta 3