Word from the badlands of the Internet concerns Microsoft's new Windows Vista. It appears to have been leaked ahead of the downloadable MSDN release and can be found on various torrent sites and the FTPs of unscrupulous individuals. The release has the build number 6000.16386.061101-2205. The key supplied with the warez release is an older RC2-based key, but apparently the Windows setup will allow you to install without a key for a 30-day period.
Microsoft has announced that the .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly WinFX) has RTMed and is available on Microsoft Downloads.
The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 is the new managed code programming model for Windows®. It combines the power of the .NET Framework version 2.0 with new technologies for building applications that have visually compelling user experiences, seamless communication across technology boundaries, and the ability to support a wide range of business processes. These new technologies are Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace. The .NET Framework 3.0 is included as part of the Windows Vista™ operating system; you can install it or uninstall it using Windows Features Control Panel. This redistributable package is for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft has done a complete u turn on Vista licensing so people can uninstall the operating system and install it on another machine. Vista product manager Nick White, here says that the original terms were geared toward fighting pirates. However, Volista has realised that those original terms were perceived as cheesing off PC and hardware enthusiasts.
"Windows Vista will not require a system re-activation unless the hard drive and one other component is changed. This means that enthusiasts will be able to swap CPUs, memory and graphics cards out without any worry about having to re-activate with MS, either on the internet or by phone. Should you change the hard drive and another piece of hardware - for example for a major upgrade such as a motherboard change that requires a re-installation - Microsoft will allow you to re-activate up to 10 times. You will not, however, be able to have more than one machine activated concurrently" - Microsoft spokesman.