Microsoft just announced that both Windows Vista Beta 2 and Office 2007 Beta 2 are released as public betas today. Windows Vista Beta 2 carries the tag - 5384.4-060518-1455 and Office 2007 Beta 2 is build 12.0.4017.1006. Both are available for download from connect/MSDN and Office is available publically.

Windows Vista Beta 2 is now available for IT professionals and developers with MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. In the coming weeks, Microsoft will start the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP) for developers and IT professionals who are not members of the subscription services. One of the significant differences in Beta 2 is that the implementation of UAC (user account control) privilege elevation is much more intrusive. Also, the elevation dialog doesn't just pop up; it switches Vista into what Microsoft calls "secure desktop" mode. Here's 46 images of Beta 2.