If you want to run Windows Vista on your computer without disturbing the existing setup, the best option for you is to download a free copy of Virtual PC and install the associated Vista virtual image*.
Now if that sounds a bit complex, here’s something more simple for you that requires no downloads or complex setup.
Called the "Windows Vista SPI Ultimate Test Drive", this product from TechNet Virtual Labs let you test Windows Vista online inside a browser without making any changes to your current work environment.
To experience it live, just go to windowsvistatestdrive.com. You get a chance to explore all features / programs included in Windows Vista (including games) and also Microsoft Office Profession 2007 as you may noticed in the screenshot.
You can explore Vista on your own, or follow along with guided exercises and videos. There’s something similar for Office 2007 if you like to try out just Microsoft Office 2007 in a browser without Vista. Thanks Matt.
*Microsoft seems to have discontinued distributing VHD images of Office Professional.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/try-windows-vista-online-brower/4497/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Not working for me, just links to videos. Moreover, it’s SP1, isn’t there an SP2 version of Vista available now?
Written by David Bradley on 09.11.08
Amit, it’s important to note here that Firefox users won’t be able to use it unless they get an Active X plugin or addon because Firefox doesn’t support Active X by default.
This would run directly for IE users though. Firefox users can get it through the IEtab extension or any other similar extension which uses the IE7 rendering engine.
Written by Abhijeet Mukherjee on 09.11.08
I always wondered why MS never used the CITRIX technology to bring the Office package to customer. (renting)
That would kick out Google, Zoho and Thinkfree immediately out of the market.
Written by Marco on 09.11.08
I wish that there was something like this for OS X.
Written by Myke on 09.11.08
@ link : Right, it is an IE thing only as you need to install an ActivX plugin.
Written by Amit Agarwal on 09.14.08
Doesn’t work! I click Start and get an “error on page” in IE7. Nice.
Written by R-Bro on 09.15.08