Windows Me nears official release

Microsoft confirmed that the second release candidate, or nearly complete test version, of its next-generation consumer operating system, Windows Me, was sent to beta testers last week.

Targeted solely at home PC users, Windows Me includes new features such as System Restore, which restores deleted critical system files, and Auto Update, which automatically downloads updates from Microsoft's Web site.

Formerly known by the code-name Millennium, the operating system is the third installment of Windows 98 and is expected to be released late this month or early in July.

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