It posted a free beta version, and said the new edition would be priced at the same level as the 32-bit edition.
Microsoft on Wednesday released public previews of the 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 as it changed the official names of the high-end operating systems.
What was formerly dubbed "Windows XP 64-bit for Extended 64-bit Systems" will now go by the moniker of "Windows XP Professional x64 Edition." The server version, which went by the mouthful of "Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems" will from this point on be called "Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition."
Along with the name change, Microsoft posted a free beta version of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition for downloading, and will ship it on CD later this month. The download is huge--around 450 Mbytes--so users who want a copy on CD should head to Microsoft's Web site to place an order. The CD is free, but an $8 to $13 shipping and handling charge applies.
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