Microsoft today made available a new test build for Windows Vista, the mythical desktop operating system of legend. It's called RC2, or Release Candidate 2 (build number 5744), and it really is only for diehard Vista testaholics. And the stupid.

The download page comes with a warning in bold type:

Please note: This build may not have the same level of support or servicing via Windows Update as RC1, and you may not be able to upgrade from this build to the final version of Windows Vista.

Still interested? Then click this way.

Microsoft had previously said that RC1 (build 5600) would be its last pre-release build to be made public. Opened for download business early last month, RC1 was expected to attract six million testers.

Windows Vista is supposed to launch in January 2007, but seeing is believing. With Vista, Microsoft has bust more deadlines than a deadbeat journalist. ®