Windows 7 RTM vs General Availability?
What are the differences between the Windows 7 RTM and the GA releases? Are they the same thing just one is for the public and the other for manufacturers. I have the opportunity to get the RTM through my uni so if I did, would I be missing out on anything when the GA comes in October?
RTM is when the software is Released to Manufacturing.
General Availability is the date RTM becomes publicly distributed/sold on a wide scale. At that point, it’s been “manufactured” enough to distribute it via retail channels.
For the latter, it tends to mean it’s pressed on discs and sitting in boxes on shelves, and that OEM’s are starting to distribute it on new computers. It also tends to mean that hardware and software vendors start officially supporting compatibility with the final software. It also tends to mean that updates become available on Windows Update to address issues discovered since RTM.
But the OS code itself is the same. If you can obtain RTM via something like MSDNAA, you normally shouldn’t “miss out” on anything. Maybe a box and/or a pre-pressed disc?
Windows 7 ready to hit the streets, what’s next?
