REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. is giving businesses a preview of Vista, the next version of its flagship Windows operating system.
Microsoft has invested heavily in adding features that will make it easier and less expensive for companies to keep their computer networks secure and working smoothly, said Brad Goldberg, general manager for Windows product management.
In a conference call Wednesday, Goldberg said the new operating system would allow people to log onto their office's system remotely without needing to connect through a virtual private network, or VPN, which some users find cumbersome.
Other improvements he noted include:
_Safer Web browsing with the inclusion of Internet Explorer version 7.
_Easier installation of software fixes, known as patches, to protect computers from attacks.
_Improved user account control to let more workers do things like install printer drivers without being set up for administrator access, thereby limiting such access to those who truly need the higher-level functions. It's harder for attacks to spread on computers that don't have administrator access.
Goldberg said the test is being made available to about 500,000 select customers, and the company plans to release the preview to a broader consumer test audience in its next fiscal quarter, which begins in April.
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