Microsoft took a major step towards the release of Windows Vista on Friday, when Jim Allchin, co-president of the firm's platforms & services division, announced that Windows Vista RC1 is done!"

The message was first posted to Microsoft's TechBeta/TAP site and later in the day to the Windows Vista Team blog. According to Allchin, RC1 includes "a lot of improvements" over the Beta 2 of the software. "We've made some UI adjustments, added more device drivers, and enhanced performance." However, until the planned release of the software in January of next year, the Vista developer team will "keep plugging away on application compatibility, as well as fit and finish, until RTM [release to manufacturing]. Allchin said that ISVs should use RC1 for the certification of applications.

For now, RC1 is only available to participants of Microsoft's TechBeta or TAP programs.

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