Windows Vista RC1 to be tested by 5 million people

According to Jim Allchin, co-president of the firm's platforms & services division, the RC1 was "done" last Friday. In a message posted on the Windows Vista Team blog, the executive wrote that the new version includes "a lot of improvements" over the Beta 2. "We've made some UI adjustments, added more device drivers, and enhanced performance," Allchin wrote. Until the release to manufacturing, the Vista developer team will "keep plugging away on application compatibility, as well as fit and finish."

While not finalized, Microsoft says that RC1 is the version ISV should use to certify their applications. Rumors about the launch date of the Internet are still spreading, but Microsoft said that it is on track to release the software to volume license customers in November 2006. General availability is unchanged as well and targeted for January 2007.