Microsoft.com have updated their guide to Securing Windows 2000 Server. The guide is delivered in eleven chapters, plus a Test Guide, a Delivery Guide, and a Support Readiness Guide, each with applicable job aids, script files, and test cases...

New from ieXbeta If you missed Microsoft Office System Beta 2 Kit 2003 registration or were not chosen for Beta 2 testing, dont worry. You have still got a chance!

This kit is available worldwide and offered at no charge, but a charge of $19.95 US for shipping and handling does apply. Additional charges may also apply for worldwide or express delivery, and for any applicable sales tax.

Neowin.net reports that while Office 2003 Beta 2 kits have yet to be received by official beta testers, Microsoft has issued a set of 7 patch files meant to address various bugs and build updates discovered since Beta 2 was announced. The updates should cut down on redundant bug reports filed and improve the overall experience of the Office 2003 Beta 2.

As you can read on Winformant.com, Microsoft Corp. renamed the new Office 2003 software suite to Office 2003 Systems.

Spotted this over @Flexbeta: This update addresses a potential problem when using MUI language packs on Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 runtimes, where extra files are copied as part of the Service Pack 1 MUI language pack build process. These extra files contribute to larger footprints and in rare cases can cause functional problems on the runtime. Download here.

Thanks to Neowin.net for the update:

This is Microsoft's DirectX 9.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) Update - "March 2003 Preview". This preview release only contains updated D3DX associated files (headers, libs, and D3DX debug dll), High-Level Shader Language Manual, and additional animations for Tiny. The next pre-release will include the Full DirectX 9.0 SDK Update files.

Thanks to Yvo @ Neowin.net for sending in this email he got from the Microsoft DirectX 9.0 development team.

Welcome to the March 2003 Preview release of Microsoft DirectX 9.0 SDK Update. The DirectX 9.0 SDK update - March Preview release will be available soon at BetaPlace. We make our pre-releases available to a select group of developers and enthusiasts to help us ensure that our final release is stable and secure. Your involvement is critical to this goal.

Just spotted this @ Eweek.com:

Microsoft Corp. on Monday finally released the licensing and pricing options for its upcoming Windows Server 2003 family, which is slated for shipment in late April.

Want to know what's new in the recently leaked Longhorn Build 4008 Beta and what MS may or may not be planning to implement in this OS? Then check out this article @ Neowin.net.

We found screenshots of a new?! leaked alpha build of the upcoming Microsoft OS Longhorn. The supposed leak was first reported by Neowin. They are hosting more pictures and a fiery discussion is already going on about the legitimacy of the screenshots.

Head over here to take a look

Just read an interesting article at The Register. Could Microsoft actually buy Sega? Imagine that - all Sega game's could end up licensed only to the XBox. Read the full article here.

Thanks to Voodoo @ Neowin for the update on this:
DirectX9 beta testers have noticed that Microsoft are gearing up for a new DX Beta, when they saw that DX9SDK has been added to their contact info at http://www.betaplace.com. It was speculated this maybe DX9.1 SDK beta (as Neowin has previously reported), but it could also be a small update. We will keep you posted on any additional info we receive.

The Windows Media 9 Series Codec Install Package is used to install the latest Windows Media codecs. This package can be used as an alternative to automatically downloading Windows Media Codecs, or to correct problems experienced with previously-downloaded codecs. Click on Read More... for a download link

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-006 : A security vulnerability is present in the Windows Me version of Help and Support Center, and results because the URL Handler for the "hcp://" prefix contains an unchecked buffer.

An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a URL that, when clicked on by the user, would execute code of the attacker?s choice in the Local Computer security context. The URL could be hosted on a web page, or sent directly to the user in email. This issue affects Windows Me only. Users running other versions of Windows do not need this update.

Thanks to my mate waddy @ NTFS.org.

The CD includes information on the business advantages of deploying Windows XP and Office XP; technical resources such as white papers, the Office XP Resource Kit, the Baseline Security Analyzer, and other resources to help you plan, deploy, and manage your desktop solution; and information on how to find a partner to help during your deployment.

Microsoft has posted 8 updates and patches For Windows XP Embedded with SP1. More info with links are available @ Flexbeta.

Just got word from MSFN.org that the threedegrees site has launched with the beta available for download:

Thanks to Neowin.net for the news that IEXBeta have found the latest Windows XP Peer-to-Peer Beta Program & SDK Beta!

This download includes a beta version of the Microsoft Windows XP Peer-to-Peer Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK contains all software required to create decentralized applications that harness the collective power of edge of the network PC?s.

Major components include: Peer-to-Peer Application Programming Interface (API) Documentation for each of the Peer-to-Peer core areas (e.g., peer name resolution, efficient multi-point communication, secure groups and the identity manager); Peer-to-Peer headers & libraries; Sample applications and source code.

A story from FlexBeta: I was accepted to participate in Beta-Testing the forthcoming SP4 for Windows 2000 series. The applications were taken in last fall, and they sent me e-mail entitled ?approved?. One pre-beta version was leaked before the official beta, build number RC 4.027. Just nine builds after, 4.036 was leaked in the same way and released to beta testers about one week after the leak.

Just got word from Neowin.net that Office 11 Beta 2 has been released on MSDN! Here's what you get:

Office 2003 Beta 2 MUI Pack Disc 1 (English) 564 MB Office FrontPage 2003 Beta 2 (English) 195 MB Office InfoPath Beta 2 (English) 76 MB Read more...