Windows Vista

CNN reports Microsoft announced Friday that it will call its next-generation operating system "Windows Vista." The much-anticipated operating system had formerly been code-named "Longhorn." Microsoft also unveiled the Windows Vista Web site and said the first beta test version of the system, which will be targeted at developers and IT professionals, will be available by Aug. 3. The system is scheduled to be released late next year. Previous Windows releases have been named by year number or by a moniker -- such as Windows XP -- to describe the release itself. But with Windows Vista, Microsoft wanted the name to focus more on the product, and how it brings clarity to users, said Greg Sullivan, group product manager at Microsoft.

But will it work any better? Will it have fewer security holes? Will it lock up less often?