Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 Is Complete

Retiring Microsoft Platforms and Services Co-President Jim Allchin has made an entry on the TechBeta/TAP with the title: "Windows Vista RC1 Is Complete." Product Manager Nick White reproduced Allchin's blog on the Windows Vista Team Blog arguing that as the TechBeta/TAP Website is password protected the news had to get out. White stated that, illustrative of Microsoft's testing strategy, the TechBeta and TAP programs will be the first to receive the new version of the operating system.

"We could not have achieved this milestone without your support. The quantity and quality of feedback and data we received from you has been essential to helping us progress. Thus we wanted you to be the first customers outside of Microsoft to get access to the bits. Next week, a broader set of technical customers will get them via MSDN and TechNet. But you're the first! We wanted to get it into your hands asap so you can start giving us feedback right away," wrote Allchin.

Furthermore, Allchin revealed that the Windows Vista RC1 build 5600 introduces a consistent amount of improvements compared to the Beta 2 version. As some of the adjustments he enumerated there are GUI tune-ups, additional device drivers and increased performance. While application compatibility issues remain to be addressed until RTM, RC1 is the platform ISVs can use to certify applications.

"As you can see from Jim's words above, if you're a TechBeta or TAP participant, RC1 is now available to you! Soon it will be made available to those of you outside those programs who want to test it," wrote White.