LAS VEGAS -- If you're interested in test driving the next version of Windows, today is your lucky day, assuming Microsoft's online infrastructure holds up. The company is scheduled to release the Windows 7 Beta for public download today, providing the first widespread access to Windows Vista's successor.

The beta is scheduled to go live at noon Pacific time, according to a Microsoft representative. Keep your eye on the Windows 7 site for details. However, as of 8 a.m., Microsoft.com appears to already be struggling under the weight of heavy traffic, perhaps in anticipation of the beta release. Many people are reporting that the site is slow to load, or times out when trying to load.

Update: Microsoft released this statement late this morning: "Due to very heavy traffic we’re seeing as a result of interest in the Windows 7 Beta, we are adding some additional infrastructure support to Microsoft.com properties before we post the public Beta today. We want to ensure customers have the best possible experience when downloading the Beta, and will be in touch once the Beta goes live."

Microsoft announced the beta this week here at the Consumer Electronics Show. The company still isn't giving a final release date, but it's clear that it's aiming for later this year. For more details on Windows 7, see this Windows 7 category page on TechFlash and our coverage from the new operating system's unveiling at the Professional Developers Conference last year.