Microsoft Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 (RC1) Finally Here

The long awaited Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 is finally here. A few days ago, Microsoft released Windows Vista RC1 (a test version) to allow 5 million users, their largest test program ever, to download and test the operating system.If the RC1 version receives positive results, then we should expect to see Windows Vista to be meet the set release date of November 2006 for enterprise customers and January 2007 for consumers.

Microsoft has provided a website where users can download and test the RC1 version. If you decide to download, please note this is a test version and not the official release by Microsoft. There are most likely bugs and other nuisances that will need to be addressed after they receive feedback from the millions of users testing RC1. If you decide to download the test version make sure you backup your systems files and if you are upgrading from Beta 2, make sure you download and install any critical updates for your system.When downloading, you have a choice between the 32-bit or 64-bit versions. Please note that most of our desktop applications are developed for 32-bit so if you download the 64-bit version then there is a chance that your applications on your computer will not longer function properly. If youre not sure which one to download then I highly recommend the 32-bit version. Also, once you install Windows Vista RC1 you cannot roll back to your previous operating system installation - you will either have to acquire and install the final released edition of Windows Vista or reinstall a previous edition of Windows. Before installing Windows Vista RC1 on any computer, please remember to back up all your files completely.There are three installation scenarios for Windows Vista RC1:

1. You can do a clean installation. This process will overwrite any data that you have on your hard disk or on your installation partition. The overwritten data will be lost and unrecoverable.


2. You can upgrade an existing installation of Windows XP.


3. You can upgrade an existing installation of Windows Vista Beta 2.

According to Microsoft, after completing the download, you will need to burn the ISO file to a DVD. This means youll need a DVD burner with appropriate software. If you are unsure if your DVD burning software supports burning of an ISO file, please refer to your DVD burning software program and search Help for instructions on creating a disc from an ISO file. If you are still unsure about burning your own DVD, ordering the Windows Vista RC1 DVD kit might be a better option for you.

If you would like to share your feedback, whether its positive or negative, then you can submit your feedback directly to Microsoft by completing their online feedback form.View PC Magazines slideshow of 100 screen shots.