Microsoft releases Windows Vista RC2: final test build
Dan Warne07 October 2006, 10:51 AM
Microsoft has released Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 for public download.
Microsoft has released Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 for public download. Windows Chief Jim Allchin says this build, 5744, will be the final one before Vista goes 'gold' and is released to manufacturing.
The software giant also closed its Office 2007 beta download program and announced Office would be released to duplication within weeks.
It can be downloaded here. Early feedback from testers indicates that it's considerably faster than previous builds, and Microsoft's Shell team has also changed the appearance of maximised windows, backing off the all-black effect.
The change is explained here. Microsoft has simultaneously released Windows Mobile Device Centre for testing (rather late in the piece, but it argues it is a a separate application to Vista.)