Microsoft has been working on 'Start Panel' and 'Start Page' ehancements for Windows Whistler, seemingly consiting of a new Start Menu and Active Desktop respectively. Showcasing Microsoft's move towards a Web-based desktop, the changes can be seen in the latest version of the upcoming operating system, sent to a select group of testers last week.

Discovered earlier today by Paul Thurrott, the new Start Panel offers simplified navigation to common tasks via a DHTML interface. Still buggy and thus hidden from normal use, it contains all standard Start Menu options in a two-pane view.

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Steve Jobs today previewed upcoming Apple hardware and software at Macworld Expo in New York. Despite accusations that rumors regarding an upcoming G4 Cube were fraudulent, the Apple CEO confirmed reports at the end of his keynote with an estimated ship date of early August and a size of 8 inches. In addition, Jobs unveiled new multi-processor G4s, revised iMacs and keyboards, and new flat-panel displays. On the software side, Jobs stated the company had pushed back the Mac OS X public beta until September with a final release slated for early 2001. Microsoft also made waves at Macworld, announcing an October ship date for Office 2001, complete with new colors and improved Web features. For detailed coverage of the expo, visit ZDNet's Macworld Special.

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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.

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Microsoft has finished updating the bits and has posted the IE 5.5 Active Setup for download. This is indeed the final version. Sporting a build number of 5.50.4134.600, the Active Setup offers a download as small as 6.2MB. You can download Internet Explorer 5.5 Final from FileForum or visit the IE hompage for more details.

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Microsoft has officially released the first service pack for Internet Explorer 5.01. Those of you who do not want to wait until IE 5.5 may want to check this one out. Internet Explorer 5.01 SP1 can be installed as an upgrade to existing versions of Internet Explorer, or on computers without IE installed. SP1 includes the latest security updates and fixes to Internet Explorer and will also update your encryption level to 128-bit. Download IE 5.01 SP1 here and tell us what you think.

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Microsoft and Intel have created version 3.0 of the Hardware Design Guide for Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. According to Microsoft, "This new version includes design information related to 64-bit Windows, new technologies, and new features that will be supported in future versions of Windows 2000." This is a great way to find out what new developments both companies have in the works and to learn what improvements we may see in upcoming versions of Windows. To learn more, visit Microsoft's hardware development center.

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Contributed by Scott Jarkoff, Dimension Music.

The long awaited first round of the Napster Inc. -vs- RIAA legal battle was started today. In opening statements, the Napster defense has said that downloading copyrighted songs is legal and protected by the law.

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Philips is holding a beta test/contest for their upcoming MP3 CD player, eXpanium. Philips is looking for 50 testers to thouroughly use the player for 8 weeks and provide feedback in two surveys during the test. They will be accepting applications until July 17th. After you apply for the test, those interested might want to also check out Philips' other MP3 offering, the RUSH!.

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I am sure many of you have noticed the changes made to eFront.com. We have revamped the site to better represent the network and to provide a good center of content from around eFront. We have not however forgot those of you who use the site for customized headlines. You can still get your headlines at my.eFront.com and we will be making some changes to my.eFront.com shortly, adding new services and improving asthetics. We have been working on many new features that have not seen the light of day due to focusing mainly on growth. Send us an e-mail and tell us what you'd like to see. In addition, we will be making some changes on BetaNews and FileForum, adding new staff and improving the site immensly - something that was unfortunately put on hold these last few months. Let us know if you run into any problems during this hopefully short transition period.

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UPDATE - As expected, not all bits have been updated to the final build, so we suggest holding off to avoid downloading again - Although not officially announced, BetaNews has learned the final version of the much anticipated Internet Explorer 5.5 has finally begun to hit the Web. After updating the .dat files over the weekend, Microsoft has posted the Active Setup download earlier than expected. Microsoft may still be spreading the bits around the world and completing final setup testing, so BetaNews recommends you wait until an official announcement. However, Internet Explorer enthusiasts may download the release from Microsoft's WindowsUpdate download servers. What do you guys think, is it worth the upgrade? How does the release compare to Netscape's upcoming version 6?

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It looks like Microsoft is much closer to releasing the long awaited new version of their Web browser, Internet Explorer. The Internet Explorer 5.5 .dat files, which guide the Active Setup program, have finally been updated. Instead of displaying build 3406 as the RTW (Release to Web) version, the .dat files now point to correct download sites for the final release of IE 5.5. Once Microsoft posts the various language folders, users will be able to download the update. Hitting RTM on June 13th, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 is set for public release within the next 2 weeks. ActiveWin contributed to this report.

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Kaspersky Lab, a Russian antivirus specialist, said that the recent upsurge of interest in antivirus protection for computerized home appliances, mobile phones and handheld computing devices has become one of the most discussed topics in the computer press, IT conferences and among IT specialists throughout the world.

Eugene Kaspersky, the firm's head of antivirus operations, said that the reason for this interest is quite clear: the world is moving very fast toward integrating IT into nearly all fields of human activity.

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Sources close to Microsoft are reporting the software giant is developing a customizable window manager for its upcoming Windows 2000 successor codenamed Whistler. Although little is known regarding the new feature, specifics have begun to trickle in. Much like Stardock's WindowBlinds, the new window manager will allow the user to customize the look and feel of the Windows desktop to his or her liking. By creating themes, applications can be skinned simply by dropping a theme into a specified directory. All controls will be skinnable, including scrollbars, and transparency support is in the works.

Surprisingly, the window manager will not be truly implemented into the operating system. It will change the look of windows by hooking them, exactly how Stardock's WindowBlinds functions. This however may be a strategic move by Microsoft, as it allows them to remove the feature if not successful. The company did this in Windows 3.11 with ctl3d.dll supporting 3D-style Windows. Microsoft did not want to commit to the change and waited until Windows 95.

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Microsoft has sent word that Windows Millennium Edition was officially released to manufacturing today. "By focusing principally on the needs of the home user, we were able to create a more simplified PC experience for first-time users while enhancing existing users' experiences by enabling new home-computing scenarios," the company wrote in a press release. Although some testers were still having problems with the last round of betas, Microsoft dubbed build 3000.2 golden and code-complete. Beta testers will receive CDs shortly, although the release will hit retail shelves on September 14th for the same price as Windows 98. What do you think, was Windows Me ready?

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OracleMobile today announced a new wireless service, which builds upon that launched in January allowing users to access content from the Web using a mobile phone. The new service, dubbed Ask@OracleMobile, will extend the functionality to two-way pagers and other devices without a Web browser. The service can be accessed by sending a simple e-mail with keywords such as "stocks" or "scores." Based on previously setup information, the service responds to the message with the requested information. OracleMobile currently has 10 services and many more planned. To signup for the service, visit OracleMobile.com.

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