Windows 7 release candidate due in April

According to an internal leak aimed towards Windows blog Neowin, the first (and potentially only) Windows 7 release candidate will hit beta testers on 10 April.

A release candidate is a feature-complete build of a piece of software that has reached its final stages of development. It's released to testers as the version that could be sold in stores, with the intention of ironing out any final bugs before hitting shelves.

That such a complete version could be ready by April reinforces the extremely positive rumour that Windows 7 could be on sale to the public, or at least released to computer manufacturers, by the year's end.

Why is Windows 7 so exciting anyway?
We've covered Windows 7 extensively on CNET UK. Check out the most important pieces of coverage below.

1) Our initial visual tour and feature explanation 
2) The new Windows 7 interface explored in pictures 
3) Hands-on with Windows 7 touchscreen interface 
4) Windows 7 to come in six editions 
5) Vista buyers to get Windows 7 for free