When RTM is out to the public, what about all of us, that must keep running a RC build?
Will Microsoft still make patches and security updates for us?
Will these patches be the same for RTM as for earlier builds?
I don't know where to get a key for RTM nor a danish LP, so I'm still running 7264 x64 until November when Microsoft is releasing the danish version of Windows 7, but of course I want my system to be as up to date as possible.
There isn't any difference between the patches for RC1, or RTM or the final release. The updates are for Windows 7. So, you will be able to patch and stay up to date until next June when the RC1 physically expires and will no longer run.
I highly doubt that Microsoft will release any updates at all to Windows 7 RC after Windows 7 has officially been RTM. Just install an AntiVirus program and be sure that the Windows firewall is enabled or that you are behind a router and don't visit malicious websites and you should be fine.
I wouldn't be so sure that any patches or hot-fixes for RTM will apply to RC.
They will only have been tested with RTM code etc so they will most likely only apply to RTM.
If there had been any security flaws (gaping ones that is) they would already have been applied.
I would think RC will still get updated drivers...but that is different to patches / hot-fixes.
I don't see any way that Microsoft is going to allow Windows 7 RC1 to be run until June of 2010 and then not provide hotfixes and critical security updates for it. I'm sure there are many who plan to use it for free until it finally runs out and if there was a significant problem leaving these people high-and-dry...that would be major egg on MS face.
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