Microsoft started with a master plan for Windows 8. In true project
management style they broke the task down into steps, consequently, as the
development team delivers a major objective, so a milestone is reached.
M1 (Milestone One) Prototype available to selected
testers in October 2008.
M2 Beta 1 was available in January 2009 via Microsoft
Connect. Note: The Beta version will stop working on August 1, 2009.
Furthermore, you won't be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail
version of Windows 7.
M3 Release Candidate, The RC meets the criteria for
Windows 7 feature completeness and performance. RC will be available to the public
in May 2009.
M4 RTM The final product was Released
To Manufacturers in August 2009. On
sale to the public from October 2009.
Beta Version - Means, 'We have done our best to get a working
model'. Inevitably, this prototype is full of bugs, which
conscientious testers note problems and report them to Microsoft.
RC - Release Candidate. No more major features
will be added, the look and feel of the final product.
Build Numbers for Windows 7: 7000, 7048, 7057, 7068,
7100, 7600.
Incidentally, you could display this number on the desktop with
PaintDesktopVersion, or else search the registry for CurrentBuildNumber.
Major Version Number - Confusingly, Windows 7 reports to
be 6. XP was 5, and there was NT 4.
Minor Version Number - 1 as in 6.1 for Windows 7.
Vista was 6.0.
Note: Version numbers do not always correspond to build numbers.
RTM - Release to Manufacturer (Build 7600).
SP - Service Pack.
Guy
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