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Microsoft Releases Windows XP RC1
by Arie Slob
Hello Windows users,
 Last Monday, Microsoft announced the availability of the first release candidate (RC1) for Windows® XP, the new Microsoft® Windows operating system for home and business. Windows XP RC1, the first feature-complete version of the operating system, provides consumers and corporations with the opportunity to evaluate and experience Windows XP prior to its Oct. 25 launch. Windows XP RC1 is the result of a tremendous amount of customer and tester feedback. More than 500,000 testers have been involved in the beta testing program to date.
"The feedback that Microsoft has received from over half a million beta testers tells us loud and clear that people are super-excited about the experiences enabled by Windows XP and that we're in the home stretch for delivering the system to our customers," said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Windows Division at Microsoft. "Today's release of RC1 further underscores Microsoft's commitment to excellence and to delivering the highest-quality product to our customers on Oct. 25."
Through Windows XP RC1, users will be also able to experience the features planned for the final product including Windows Messenger. In addition, RC1 introduces new Visual Desktop Color, Schemes, performance improvements and greater applications and device compatibility.
Windows RC1 provides businesses with the ideal opportunity to begin evaluating Windows XP Professional and experience improved security, reliability and performance combined with new features such as Remote Assistance and Windows Messenger. Businesses can receive evaluation kits either through Microsoft TechNet at or through a subscription in the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN).
More than 100,000 participants are enrolled in the Windows XP Preview Program, and for a small fee, consumers can join the program and test drive Windows XP prior to its general availability on Oct. 25. Program members who ordered a copy of Windows XP RC1 will receive it immediately through their selected option of either a download provided in agreement with Conxion Corp. or through the post. In addition to receiving a copy of Windows XP RC1, participants will be automatically eligible to receive the Windows XP Preview Program Newsletter, which will contain technical information on how to take advantage of the powerful new functionality that Windows XP can deliver. Registration for the Windows XP Preview Program is available through the Windows XP Preview Web site.
I will take a closer look at RC1 in the next few days, and will report about my findings later.
Your Windows XP Product Activation Comments
Last week I published some information on the new Product Activation for Windows XP, and asked for your comments. Quite a few of you left your comments on the matter. I will be writing a follow-up to the article, and will try to address most of the questions/comments.
Rose City Software
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Microsoft Security
Authentication Error in SMTP Service Could Allow Mail Relaying
Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000. The vulnerability could allow an unauthorized user to successfully authenticate to the SMTP service using incorrect credentials. The most likely purpose in exploiting the vulnerability would be to perform mail relaying via the server.
Affected Software Versions
More...
Recent Support BBS Postings
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Outlook Express 5 will not start (Starts very slow) - IE
Netscape 6.1 Preview Release 1 - Netscape Navigator
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Web Site Updates
These pages were added/updated in the past week. Information on previously updated/added pages is available on the What's New? page for 1 month.
InfiniSource.com
Updated: IRC Networks and Servers, Listing O - Z
Added: Does Your MotherBoard Have PhoenixNet™ Residing Within Your System's BIOS?
Windows-Help.NET
Windows 2000
Added: Microsoft Security: Authentication Error in SMTP Service Could Allow Mail Relaying
Windows XP
Added: Microsoft Releases Windows XP RC1
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07 July 2001, Vol 4 No. 27
