Microsoft has released Windows "Monad" Shell Beta 3.1 (for .NET Framework 2.0 RTM) x86

Windows "Monad" Shell is a new interactive command-line and task-based scripting technology in Windows that enables administrators to more efficiently and securely automate and control system management tasks on both desktops and servers. "Monad" Shell provides powerful task-based control (via built-in command line tools and utilities) and a powerful scripting language that enables comprehensive scripted control of the Windows operating system and applications. The key features of Monad include:

Simplified command-based navigation of the operating system (including drives, startup files, and registry).

Command extensibility that allows administrators to quickly write scripts, customize commands, and author their own shell tools.

Powerful object manipulation capabilities (objects can be directly manipulated or pipelined to other tools or databases).

Direct control of system data (without the need to perform error-prone text parsing and object lookup).

Powerful aliasing and output formatting capabilities.

Support for existing scripts and command line tools.

Windows "Monad" Shell Beta 3.1 (for .NET Framework 2.0 RTM) x86