Latest Vista test version unleashed to the public.
Microsoft has released Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 to the general public.
The software was released to a limited group of testers earlier this month.
The latest test version of the forthcoming operating system is available in English, German and Japanese for both 32 and 64 bit systems.
Microsoft plans to issue only a limited number of product activation keys. A company spokesperson was unable to specify how many keys the company expects to issue.
Microsoft said in a statement that it anticipates that some 5 million people will have a chance to evaluate the software. This number includes roughly 500,000 IT professionals and developers who received access to the software on 1 September.
The software will expire on 1 June 2007. Users at that time will be required to install the final version of Windows Vista or downgrade to Windows XP.
Microsoft cautioned that the application shouldn't be used in a production environment or on the primary computer at home.
Users also might not be able to upgrade the Windows Vista RC1 installation to the final, commercial version of the operating system, the comapny warned.
The software is available for download from the Microsoft website or testers can order a DVD at a small fee to cover production and shipping costs.