Windows 2000 Goes to Release Candidate 1

Like clockwork, Microsoft's huge beta program for Windows 2000 (Win2K) went from Beta 3 to Release Candidate 1 (RC1) on July 1. Windows 2000 might be the largest beta program for any OS in history. Microsoft shipped approximately 500,000 copies of Win2K beta code to corporate customers in the Corporate Preview Program, to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) developers, and to OEMs who preloaded the software on their systems.Windows 2000 Server (Win2K Server) RC1 provides several enhancements, including improvements to the user interface, DNS, and Terminal Services. Windows 2000 Advanced Server (Win2K AS) includes improvements to the Cluster Service setup and cluster logging, and the addition of the NetBIOS Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. RC1 of Windows 2000 Professional (Win2K Pro), the workstation version of the OS, adds Direct X7, NetMeeting 3.01, digital camera support, new drivers for wireless LAN support, and support for 25 more printers.The arrival of RC1 signals the beginning of the final phases of a beta program. If history is any indication, the release of the final product is approximately 60 to 90 days out (i.e., around October 1). Although Microsoft promises additional release candidates based on customer input, only the appearance of a significant bug would push out this release date. The following table from Microsoft details the additions to Win2K RC1: