Windows 7 - RTM silly question

i'm just wondering,
RTM is FINAL version right?
then RTM is the same version that will be in stores at 22/10/09?
yeah i know it will be RETAIL but will there be any changes from RTM?
let's say i get my hands on RTM build and a matching serial

do i need to install RETAIL when it comes?

RTM=Release to Marketing (or Market) so, yes.

And when it comes out, you don't need to install it but your beta keys will expire in June/2010.

RTM is the final "build", but it is not the final version. There will, of course, be service packs and hot fixes. RTM will be the same version that you can buy in a store.

The only exception to this would be a last minute showstopper bug that might get found after something is declared RTM and when it finally goes to stores, which case they could opt to re-release a new RTM, but that is pretty unlikely given the stability of 7.

I think Im right in saying that RTM is the build that gets released to PC makers and then theres a further build after that for public release.

No. The same build is used for PC Makers and the general public. Microsoft's policy is to have only 1 build of any give release. This gives them a single target for patches and other support tasks. It would be chaos if there were half a dozen different possible builds.

true I guess.

Just to be safe, I would do a system format and reinstall a clean retail version. That would prevent any of a number of issues, from errors to MS copy protection.

Yes, when RTM is released, DO NOT UPGRADE. Save yourself some hassle. Do a full clean install (format is not required, since clean install will copy the old system files to a .old directory).

I know, it's a pain and a lot of work. But if you do an upgrade, you will likely run into problems down the road. Just say no to upgrading betas with RTM code.

Source

RTM = Release to Manufacturing aka Release to Marketing = "going gold"

It's the final version expected to be ready for mass release. The only "change" thereafter is expected to be that it starts to get pressed to DVD's, put in boxes, gets a marketing plan behind it, etc.

And October 22 (or perhaps earlier now thanks to Apple?) simply means it's when the public at large should be able to go into most computer stores and buy it off the shelf on a disc in a pretty shrink-wrapped box. It's also the date by which places that make antivirus software, etc., have a heads-up for that they need to have everything ready and hunky dory since the masses are going to have it, and they're going to be expecting compatible software and drivers.

There should be no RTM vs. "Retail" difference otherwise. RTM is the "final" software version off of which all service packs, fixes, etc., etc. start to get based, and to which various others will confirm compatibility, and so on. It also of course means MS goes to the final serial/activation system so beta and release candidate keys shouldn't work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softwar...life_cycle#RTM