Windows Vista RC2 (build 5744) - possibly the last beta version before the final operating system is released - came available on Friday to technical beta testers from this page. It's expected to be more widely available this week via MSDN and TechNet, so also keep an eye out on this page.
According to Microsoft,
In a "special announcement" letter, Microsoft's Platforms and Services Co-President Jim Allchin (heir-in-waiting to Bill Gates) told beta testers that this would be the last build before Vista moves to its release version. He said,
We are just around the corner from RTM and shipping this great product to the world. This will be the last build made available prior to RTM, so please keep the feedback coming so we can hit the finish line.
The download takes the form of a 2.49GB .ISO file that you'll have to burn as a DVD. It can be downloaded directly or, as Microsoft advises, using the Akamai Download Manager - which is relatively painless but does involve installation of a small Java app.
If you've already been using a Vista beta, then your existing product key should work with RC2 build 5744.
Thoughts? Share them with us in this thread in the HEXUS.news forum.
HEXUS.links
HEXUS.community :: discussion thread about this articleHEXUS.hardlines :: Vista 5728 available but for limited time and with limitations