Microsoft has created a software demonstration environment that allows people to try out products and perform common tasks without having to install the software into their own environment.  Microsoft has used this technique many times already, and now, they are bringing it to the aid of Microsoft Windows Vista.  The new test environment allows people to try out the new operating system before it goes on sale.  And even better, you can try it out in a sandbox environment without installing it on one of your own machines.

Because the environment is more than likely created inside of a virtual machine, be warned that it might prove slow.  And it probably won't perform as well as it would if it were installed on your own hardware and with the proper video card, et all.  With that in mind, it should prove a fantastic way to try the OS out before hand, and to get acquainted with the new features being offered without the risk.

Check out Microsoft's new test environment Web site, here.