FAQ: Getting a handle on Windows Vista | CNET News.com

"When will Windows Vista arrive?
Microsoft has promised that Vista will be widely available on computers for the 2006 holiday buying season. Microsoft released the first beta, or test, version in July. The company is also issuing a series of interim builds, or community technology previews. The first of those was released in September and a follow-up version came in October and December. The company plans a business-oriented test version in the first quarter of 2006 and a more consumer-centered preview for the second quarter. The server version of Longhorn is slated for 2007. "