Microsoft makes minor tweaks to Vista beta
Although a major update to the Vista test version is still some time away, Microsoft has been making some minor enhancements to the current test version.
The next big release is the consumer test version of Vista, which Microsoft is shooting to get out this quarter and make available to about 2 million testers.
Before that release, though, Microsoft is considering a smaller update that would be made available only to those Technology Adoption Program (TAP) customers and other testers who are already using the latest test version.
"We are considering releasing updated Windows Vista code to Windows Vista Technical Beta program participants, as well as select TAP customers," Microsoft said in a statement.
Microsoft pushed out two other updates to Vista earlier this month. But unlike most of the changes, which Microsoft has made available only to certain partners, all testers got these patches.
"In the past, Microsoft released updates to select TAP customers," Microsoft said in a statement. "However, these two nonsecurity updates went to all CTP customers so that Microsoft could test the Windows Update servicing infrastructure to ensure that it is ready for use with a broader customer base as we head into Beta 2 and final availability."
And, for those who forgot, final availability for most customers is slated for January, though some businesses with volume license contracts are slated to be able to get Vista in November.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
