Beta 1 of Windows Vista released for testing

I'm surprised that they are doing this with all the trademark disputes that Vista is causing. Of course Microsoft has the money and lawyers to survive it intact.

I thought the XP replacement was called Longhorn or something like that?

Longhorn was the codename Microsoft was using during the development cycle. The official name of the product is Windows Vista.

A lot of people are saying they like Longhorn better. I guess Vista taps into the windows imagery better.

Mirosoft uses codenames for all of their operating systems when they are being developed and than change the name when it gets closer to release. Windows XP's original name was "Whistler" and Windows ME was originally called "Georgia"

I know, I just thought Longhorn was a cooler name then Vista.

Most software companies use codenames in the early stage of the project cycle. Often they are city names, names of developers pets or kids, characters from film and TV, etc.. My favorite:
Red Hat Linux 6 - Cartman (from South Park

Here's a link about Microsoft codenames

The funny thing about Red Hat was that it got it's name because the main creator put a note on the cover of the documentation telling people in the computer lab to keep a look out for his red hat. Or so legend goes.