• read top news

Microsoft releases 2nd test version of Windows Vista

Related News     Microsoft to launch new version of its office system Yahoo lowers expectations for original content   More on this   View All ZTE Corporation to introduce low-priced, qualitative mobile hand set Dell income declines, HP No. 1 computer maker Toshiba eyes 15 percent of India's laptop market Microsoft to launch new version of its office system Microsoft urges EU on Vista security requirements Apple to connect iPod in new car models Yahoo and Symantec unveil consumer Internet service

BEIJING -- The second test version of Windows Vista was released by Microsoft corp. recently,  which the company expects will be the final release before Vista hits market.

The software giant said the second test, called Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 (RC2), was developed according to "excellent feedback" received by RC1, a previous test version released in early September.

"RC2 reflects that feedback and includes important improvements in performance, application compatibility, and fit and finish work," said a statement released by Microsoft on Friday.  

The company said RC2 is being made avaible to its usual crop of technical testers and developers, as well as to some of the enthusiast consumers who are testing the RC1 version.

Microsoft expected RC2 will be the final release before Vista goes into manufacturing.

"Microsoft expects the RC2 build to be the last interim release before the product is released to manufacturing," the company said.

Microsoft said that it is still on target to release Vista to business customers next month and to consumers in January 2007, though the company has postponed it several times by saying that the quality of the product is its highest priority.