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...

Thanks to Neobond @ Neowin.net: Thats right folks we got our hands on a few screen shots and the download of what looks to be an interesting P2P application from Microsoft. We're not sure how old this version is or much about it so it could be very different when it gets released in beta form. Read more for extended information collected by Warp2Search.

Its been said that good things come to those that wait. Its also been said that the early bird gets the worm. WinBeta proudly announces the culmination of years of testing, name changes, and speculation. 5.2.3765.0 (dnsrv.030206-2140). While a new build in itself isn't too impressive, what is impressive is 2/13/2003 7:00:00 PM and is named as strong>RTM (release to manufacture). Built back on 02/06/2003, 3765 has been kicking around for quite a while.

Neowin have got their hands on both English and German language versions of Windows 2000 SP4 Beta (Express Setup) and you can choose between two installation options for SP4: Express and Network. Please review the descriptions (in read more) for each to determine the option that suits your needs.

Speaker Distortion and Noise with USB Speakers at a High Volume! The information in this article applies to: Microsoft Windows XP Professional

When you play an audio file through your USB speakers, you may hear distortion such as a popping or crackling noise. This symptom may occur about every minute when your USB speakers are at a high volume. Read more...

This update fixes an issue caused by the February 2003, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer (810847) where users could potentially be unable to log into MSN mail accounts or authenticate with a web site in various programs.

This update addresses the "HCT Audio Test Causes Computer to Stop Responding" issue in Windows XP, and is discussed in Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) Article 810272. Download now to allow HCT Audio Tests to complete.