Microsoft's Gates launches new Windows XP operating system test version

ANAHEIM, CA (AFX) - Microsoft Corp chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates launched the beta 2 version of the company's "new Windows with a new look" operating system -- Windows XP -- at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) here.	    Windows XP is built on an enhanced Windows 2000 engine, Microsoft said.	    The beta 2 version of the new operating system includes the first public beta version of the new Internet Explorer version 6, which features a new visual design, enhanced explorer bars, integrated instant messaging, media playback and automatic picture resizing. The new Internet Explorer also has "improved privacy" features, according to Microsoft.	    The test version of Windows XP is being distributed to "hundreds of thousands" of software testers, while consumers can also register to preview the operating system. 

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