Microsoft has announced that the fourth Community Technology Preview (CTP) is fully equipped with all necessary features, and the company will not integrate any additional functionalities into the new generation operating system.
The February CTP is primarily designed for businesses looking to reduce operational costs and manage hundreds of thousands of computers within their companies.
Similar to the Widget suite in Mac OS X and Yahoo, Windows Vista also integrates Gadgets—programs built for specific purposes like displaying weather information, time, photo slideshows, or RSS feeds from users’ favorite websites. However, unlike Widgets, Vista’s new program can move freely on the desktop or reside in the Sidebar.
Microsoft has introduced Gadgets for a long time but has never included them in previous test versions. Users can enrich their Gadget collection with a wide range of programs available on Live.com.
 |
Windows Vista Gadget. (PC World) |
The software giant believes that businesses should install CTP 4 as a stepping stone before Vista officially launches at the end of the year. According to Microsoft, the manual deployment of an operating system on desktops within a company typically costs around $1,000 per PC. In contrast, CTP 4 includes many enhanced tools that assist businesses in planning, testing, building, setting up, and managing Vista for under $100.
Furthermore, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can customize the Welcome Center interface of Vista through the Start Menu/Control Panel and All Programs.
Although the features are complete, Microsoft stated that they will “refine” the operating system while providing test versions. Windows Vista CTP 4 is distributed through the Windows Vista Technical Beta Program or to those who register for the Microsoft Developer Network and TechNet.
P.T.
