Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Windows Vista RC1 Enters Testing

By

Software giant Microsoft announced today that Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 has entered testing with the companies customers, developers, and partners, and is expanding their Vista Preview program so more customers can get their hands on early editions of Windows Vista and get acclimatized to its new features and requirements. At same time, Microsoft finally caught up with Amazon.com and confirmed estimated U.S. retail pricing for the various editions of Windows Vista.

Microsoft initially released Vista RC1 to selected technical partners on September 1, and plans to release the system to current Windows Vista Customer Preview Program (CPP) participants this week. However, Microsoft will also re-open the doors to the CPP, enabling businesses and customers who are not members of Microsoft’s other technical seeding programs (as well as Windows enthusiasts) to get their hands on early version of Windows Vista and check out its features and capabilities. Vista RC1 will be available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers for download, and various publishers around the world will be making RC1 DVDs available via a variety of technical publications. Overall, Microsoft expects more than 5 million users will field test Windows Vista RC1.

Recommended Videos

“Now that we’re expanding the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program, an even broader audience will get to experience just how much Windows Vista has to offer,” said Mike Sievert, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows Client Marketing, in a statement. “The expansion of the CPP program really sends a strong message to the industry and our customers: the time to prepare for Windows Vista has arrived.”

Related

Microsoft also officially released suggested U.S. retail pricing information on Windows Vista, after Internet retailer Amazon.com put various editions up for pre-order on its Web site. The breakdown is as follows, and contains no surprises:

Vista Edition Upgrade Pricing Full Retail Pricing
Vista Home Basic $99.95 $199
Vista Home Premium $159 $239
Vista Business $199 $299
Vista Enterprise (available only to volume license customers)
Vista Ultimate $259 $399

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Best VPN deals: Save on NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark
A close-up of a computer monitor displaying a generic VPN.

There are a lot of things online that might require the use of VPN, whether it's avoiding something like geoblocks, or trying to protect your identity online. Either way, VPNs have become ubiquitous these days, and some of the best VPN services provide you with a suite of services beyond just a VPN. That can include things like adblocking or, in the case of something like Proton, potentially a whole suite of services such as email and cloud storage. Whatever you're looking for, though, there's likely a great VPN for you, which is why we've gone and collected the best VPN deals across the board so that you don't have to do the extra legwork.

Nord VPN 12-month basic subscription -- $69, was $124

Read more
Do you need antivirus software on a Chromebook?
Chromebook on a table with a mouse and headphones

If you’re considering buying a Chromebook or have already made your purchase, you’re here because you want to know if you should invest in antivirus software for your new gadget. It's a common concern, especially considering how often these devices are used in education or corporate settings.

You’ll find varying opinions on whether or not you need an antivirus tool for a Chromebook. Some say that every computer should have such a tool no matter what, while others state that antivirus software is a waste of money when it comes to ChromeOS.

Read more
This simple app was a surprising upgrade to my gaming PC
The Digital Trends website on the KTC G42P5.

You've been there before. You boot up a game for the first time, click through the various engine and publisher screens, and arrive on the main menu. And just like that, your ears get blasted with music and you have to quickly minimize the game in a flash-bang fog to adjust your system volume down. Well, I have good news as I've discovered an app that makes adjusting your volume much easier.

It's called JustScroll, and it does exactly what the name suggests. You just use your mouse wheel to adjust the volume on your PC. It's a simple, ingenious piece of kit, and although it's not strictly necessary, it's been a huge convenience in terms my gaming PC.
Surprisingly useful

Read more