The Windows Vista DVD has been released to manufacturing with in excess of 19,500 device drivers. In comparison, its predecessor, Windows XP has been launched with only 10,000 device drivers. But still, Microsoft claims there is room for improvement with windows Vista. Moreover, the Redmond company is promising that its latest operating system will continue to improve even after RTM.

"But, what is even more significant is that at the RTM for Windows Vista, we already had an additional 11,700 device drivers on Windows Update compared to just 2,000 for Windows XP when it RTM'd in 2001. And while we will have significantly more drivers online by official availability, we will continue to add more drivers even after the launch," revealed Jim Allchin, Co-President, Platform and Services Division.

This is possible because of the enhancements introduced to the Windows Update service that will not only automatically deliver critical and non-critical updates, but also generic device drivers. Adding a new device will never be an issue with Windows Vista.

The experience of third-party applications and Windows Vista is an aspect where Microsoft and ISVs will labor to deliver customer satisfaction. "Now that we have finished Windows Vista, we expect even more application vendors to test their applications and give us feedback. As we work with these ISV partners, we will develop application compatibility updates to make even more applications work great with Vista. As each batch is ready, we will put the new compatibility updates on Windows Update," promised Allchin.

Allchin additionally recommended that Vista users perform update checking on the operating system's first installation. "And don't be surprised when the system downloads some updates -- in fact you should expect it. And you should know that our engineering teams are still working hard to give you the best experience possible, even after RTM. So Windows Vista will continuously get better and better, automatically," added Allchin.