Yesterday's Longhorn Beta 1 release is also accompanied by Win Fx Beta 1, which makes it easier for developers to try out the new functionality -- WinFx also runs on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

The release also includes some real names for components that were until now known only by code name.  The biggest two for developers are:

• The new presentation technologies that were code named "Avalon" are now "Windows Presentation Foundation"
• The new web services technologies that were code named "Indigo" are now "Windows Communication Foundation"

--Scott