Microsoft confirmed late Friday that the — “Release Candidate” (RC) for Windows 7 will be available for the public to try out on May 5.
In mid-April, it was reported that some of Microsoft’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) hardware and software partners had already received the version of the code meant to be the final RC build.
In Microsoft developer parlance, an RC is the final stage of testing — mostly looking for “fit and finish” types of problems — before commercial release of a software product. However, if a so-called “showstopper” bug, one that is bad enough to halt the process, is found, developers patch it and issue a second RC, or more if necessary.
The software titan has been close-lipped about timing for Windows 7, which it is pushing hard as the “replacement” for the disappointing Windows Vista, partly to build buzz around its pending arrival,
Nine days after word leaked out about the RC’s pending release, Microsoft made it official.
“A lot of folks want to know when they can get their hands on the official RC, when we are going to RTM,” Brandon LeBlanc, a blogger on Microsoft’s Windows Blog, wrote in a post. “I’m pleased to share that the RC is on track for April 30th for download by MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Broader, public availability will begin on May 5th.”
According to published reports, Microsoft had initially thought seriously of not having a full public beta, but relented after users objected.
Assuming users and developers don’t find any serious problems with the RC build, Windows 7 could be out as early as late summer, according to some analysts. Others, however, suggest that rather than confuse consumers by having only some Windows 7 PCs on sale by the back-to-school season, Microsoft may wait until the holiday sales season.
source internetnews.com
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