After installing the latest IE9 I tried to log on to OPM-On-line; but the web site says I am using a beta version and cannot log on! Well, yes it is a government snow job and the reply I got from asking about it was anything but interesting. Why would IE9 RC1 been detected as a beta?
The RC (Release Candidate) version of IE9 is still Beta, but it is the last step prior to the final version. Normally, there is just a single RC version, but if there are any significant bugs with it and corrections required there could be multiple RC versions. Once the bugs (if any) have been ironed out, the final version is compiled and released.
This is a matter of semantics. From the POV of usability an RC is not a beta because it's more stable/reliable. However from the POV of security web sites don't distinguish between beta and release candidates. Some web sites with sensitive data only want officially released versions of browsers connecting so they can be more confident of compatibility and security. How much difference it really makes is debatable. My banking site used to reject beta browsers but now doesn't care and allows me to connect with IE9.
Yes. IE9RC is a last Beta version before the finale and maybe the finale version if it is not bug.
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