Nikhil Dev

Try Windows Vista without installing it on your PC. A new Microsoft Virtual Labs site lets you test-drive the Business version of the OS, right inside your browser.

The site provides a self-guided tour of Vista, dividing all its features into categories like safe, efficient and connected. Within each category you can view a video or take a test-drive of various features. When you opt for the latter, you effectively get Vista running in a window. You can poke around, try the new apps (like Sidebar and Windows Meeting Space) and so on.

Two catches: First, the test drive requires Internet Explorer 6 or later. Second, on my system the virtual-machine Vista ran dog-slow, though your mileage may vary. Even if you don’t plan to adopt Windows Vista when it ships later this month, chances are good you’ll end up with it eventually. This is a neat way to get familiar with the look and feel of the new OS.