Windows Vista Review 2
Beta: RC1 (Release Candidate 1) Build: 5600
Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 (RC1) Ultimate Edition was recently released to selected beta testers. I am currently trying out this latest test version, and I must say that it is far better and more stable than Vista Beta 2, and the final version will be the best Windows yet.
RC1 is far more stable than the previous builds of Windows Vista. With a few hiccups, it supports software designed for Windows XP and earlier. It includes many default drivers so that you can get your peripheral hardware working in no time. RC1 has not crashed in the four or five days of testing it. Certain programs, however, have crashed, and at this early stage Microsoft is unable to provide any solutions.
Windows Vista is the fastest running operating system from Microsoft. I have an external USB DVD player, and for the first time I was able to play a movie without any interruptions. I could fast forward and move to different parts of a movie, and playback resumed instantly. In addition to this, no additional software was required; the drivers were there as well as Windows Media Player 11 which played the program. After pushing the DVD player to its limits, Vista controlled my player and everything went very smoothly.
Microsoft provides a DVD with every version of Windows Vista on it. You can either enter your product key during installation of the OS, or leave it blank and continue. You are then asked which version you would like to install onto your computer. If you purchased Windows Vista Home Basic, you could select Vista Ultimate and try it for 14 days. However, after this trial period, you will have to reinstall the OS, selecting the correct edition or typing your product key. If you preferred Vista Ultimate, you could buy it and enter the product key that came with the program.
As with Beta 2, Vista includes many programs which get the basis done with decent results. These programs (on Vista Ultimate Edition) include Windows Media Player 11, DVD Maker, Photo Gallery, Media Centre, Mail, Contacts and Defender. In the new Welcome Centre, you are provided with some information about your computer, and a link to download Windows Live Messenger. Windows XP came with a ‘no frills’ Windows Messenger to be used in conjunction with MSN Messenger. It failed miserably and Microsoft released a patch to give users the ability to get rid of it. Now, the latest version of Windows Live Messenger must be downloaded onto a new Vista computer.
Windows Vista has become much better over the testing and developing period. RC1 is the last beta version that Microsoft will produce. The business versions of Vista are due out in December 2006 and Vista home editions should reach the shelves in January 2007. I have taken some screenshots of the new version of Windows, and you are welcome to have a look. If you would like to test Vista RC1, our next post will let you in on the secret.
