Microsoft Windows Vista RC2 Released

Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, on Friday released Windows Vista Release Candidate 2 (RC2), or the latest test version of its much-anticipated—and oft-delayed—operating system (OS), and the Redmond, Wash.-based firm said it expects the build to be the last test release before it ships Vista to manufacturers and enterprises, the IDG News Service reports via PCWorld.com.

Windows Vista RC2, a.k.a. build number 5744, is currently open to members of Microsoft’s Customer Preview Program, and to TechBeta, TechNet and the Technology Adoption Program, among others, according to the IDG News Service.

Microsoft said the previous test, or beta, version of Windows Vista—released in early September—garnered “excellent feedback” from millions of testers, and it is using that feedback to refine the OS, the IDG News Service reports.

Vista’s release has been delayed on multiple occasions. Microsoft most recently said it plans to release the OS to manufacturers and businesses in November and to consumers in January.

Last week, a Goldman Sachs analyst said he thought it likely that Microsoft will meet its target release date this time around and upgraded his rating of the software giant’s stock to “buy” based on the news.

The RC2 comes at a time when Microsoft has been catching flak from its rivals in the computer security space for Vista’s security features, and it has been charged with attempting to create a monopoly for its Windows Live OneCare security offering—introduced in June—in the antivirus market by blocking access to Vista’s kernel, or its core.

Check out a review of Vista RC2 on Computerworld.com.

Related Links:

• Microsoft Windows Vista May Ship on Schedule

• Rivals: Microsoft Locking Others Out of Vista Security

• Symantec Up in Arms Over Microsoft Security Features

• Microsoft’s Windows Live OneCare Now Shipping

• Microsoft Windows Vista Enters Widespread Beta Phase

• Testers: Microsoft Windows Vista RC1 Seems Stable

This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.

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