The widest Windows product evaluation.

As Microsoft finalizes plans to release its third beta of Windows 2000, a few major manufacturers are already preparing to ship PCs with the preview pre-installed. Compaq, Dell, and Micron have Redmond_s blessing to load Windows 2000 Beta 3 on some of their desktops, workstations, and servers. Microsoft says this is just another part of the widest Windows product evaluation ever. The latest beta of new business operating system, however, is like any other software beta. It has the same look, feel, and features as the final product except that it may contain bugs that may or may not be eliminated before the final release. Microsoft product manager C. Beilinson said that even though its being pre-installed, this version isn_t intended to be used as a full-time operating system. Once users are finished test-driving the beta, they are expected to stop using it and install NT 4.0, which is also provided. Beilinson said the sole purpose of the pre-installed beta is evaluation. Manufacturers say these machines, which are also sold running either Windows 98 or NT, are not intended for the run-of-the-mill business customer. Dell plans to ship the beta-configured computers in early June, but it has no plans to offer free upgrades to the official version of Windows 2000. However, Dell gives users extra technical support and two free computer-based training courses to help them run the beta. Microsoft is also selling the beta software for US$60 to developers, with the CD expected to arrive in between six to eight weeks. Windows 2000 is critical to Microsoft_s business market push, yet it has been plagued with delays and still has no official release date. Microsoft eventually plans to integrate its consumer Windows systems with 2000, but those plans have been pushed past next year. Supplies of these computers will be limited and targeted at corporate customers who need them for testing..