Microsoft Preps Whistler Beta

Microsoft's upcoming operating system codenamed Whistler, aka Windows 2001 or Windows .NET 1.0, is beginning to show signs of life. The software giant has uploaded the first beta of both Personal and Professional versions of the OS to their beta site in preparation for release to testers. Sporting a build number of 2250, the first beta was showcased this week at the Professional Developers Conference in Orlando. Those wanting to follow the status of Whistler may sign up for a Passport account at windowsbeta.microsoft.com, and visit the 'submit bug' page to view the latest build numbers. Whistler is slated for release mid-2001.