text: has the vista version of windows been launched? if yes when? is its free download  available on any site?   no, it's in a beta 2 phase. it won't be released until later this year, or early next year.  you can download the beta2 copy from their site.........  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/  you might want to grab their vista readiness tool before you install, to see how well your system will be compatible with it......... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=df59b474-c0b7-4422-8c70-b0d9d3d2f575&displaylang=en