Microsoft has finally delivered Windows Vista RC1 to the testers and the public. The Build is 5600.16384

The build came quited unexpectedly.

Details :

vista_5600.16384.060829-2230_x86fre_client-LR1CFRE_EN_DVD.iso
2,584.25 MB

vista_5600.16384.060829-2230_x64fre_client-LR1CxFRE_EN_DVD.iso
3,677.22 MB

Please note that this build is only available to technet/TAP testers. A Public beta for this build will be coming next week only. Also Beta 2 keys will work fine with this build.

 

A Note from Jim Allchin

 

To the TechBeta community:

It’s official — Windows Vista RC1 is done!

We could not have achieved this milestone without your support. The quantity and quality of feedback and data we received from you has been essential to helping us progress. Thus we wanted you to be the first customers outside of Microsoft to get access to the bits. Next week, a broader set of technical customers will get them via MSDN and TechNet. But you’re the first! We wanted to get it into your hands asap so you can start giving us feedback right away.

You’ll notice a lot of improvements since Beta 2. We’ve made some UI adjustments, added more device drivers, and enhanced performance. We’re not done yet, however — quality will continue to improve. We’ll keep plugging away on application compatibility, as well as fit and finish, until RTM. If you are an ISV, RC1 is the build you should use for certifying your application.

The operating system is in great shape with RC1, but there’s still a lot of testing to do. You’ve come through for us so far, and I’m asking you to once again put the pedal to the metal and send us feedback. Windows Vista is going to touch hundreds of millions of lives all around the world. Thanks for everything you’re doing to help us give them the best experience possible.

jim

 

From – Windows Vista Team Blog

UPDATE:-screenshots can now be seen @ Winsupersite thanks to Mr Paul Thurott

Not much can be expected from this build in terms of new User Interface or any other things. RC1 is aimed at fixing major bugs and fixes and to provide more hardware compiability. One thing is sad though that Microsoft didnt not even bundle a single new wallpaper considering this is a major milestone for Windows Vista. As such two more interim builds are expected before RTM. Most of the stuffs like new bootscreen, sounds, Themes etc can be expected in RTM only… The reason for this is very clear, if Microsoft shows them in RC1 then there wont be anything left for the public to look forward when Vista goes RTM