Microsoft is talking up a simplified mechanism for providing feedback on the company's planned Windows Vista operating system, due later this year.

Hours before Microsoft chief software architect Bill Gates was due to evangelize Windows Vista during a keynote speech at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Microsoft publicized a web form inviting beta tester feedback on Vista.

Microsoft is encouraging Windows Vista beta testers to bookmark the link, pass it onto friends and complete an entry as many times as they want. According to one online link, Microsoft is using "very, very cool technology" on the back-end to summarize feedback, and it is publicizing the link just to let beta testers evaluating Windows Vista know that the service is there.

So, go on. Have a go. Tell Microsoft what you really think of Windows Vista. Microsoft is listening.®