If you're one of the 500,000 people beta-testing Windows Vista, you'll be happy to hear that Microsoft has just released a large update for the OS. Build 5472 is now available, and is the first update since the public beta was pulled as a download from the Microsoft website. It has a host of bug fixes and feature alterations/enhancements:
Users, for instance, have to click through fewer windows when controlling user accounts. The new version also improves the responsiveness of the Media Centre features in the software and introduces support for Media Center Extender technology that allows consumers to access media on their computers through the Xbox 360 or standalone Extender devices.
For the rest of us, Vista is still slated for a January release, and Mr. Gates himself said that he expects it will be available - with an 80% chance of success. If you're on the inside, get the update.