Windows XP 64-Bit for AMD systems previewed

Microsoft has launched the first public beta for its 64-bit edition of Windows XP for hardware running AMD's Athlon 64 or Opteron processors.

Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for 64-Bit Extended Systems can now be downloaded from the Microsoft website by businesses and developers for evaluation.

Tweaking of the OS would continue, Microsoft said.

Previously, beta testers had a chance to run the 64-bit OS through its paces, but this is the first public preview.

The download is a healthy 450 Mb, but users without broadband access can get a CD for shipping and handling fees.

The CD won't be available until the middle of February.

However, the operating system preview could be downloaded immediately, the company said. The preview is timed to expire after 360 days.

The new Windows XP won't run on Intel-based machines, since it's specifically for the Athlon and Opteron lines able to run both 32- and 64-bit applications.

The final version of the operating system wouldn't ship until the second half of 2004, a Microsoft spokesman said.