.NET Framework 3.0 RC1 is here

Via Thom.

Windows Vista RC1 arrived recently.  This is a big milestone towards the final release of the next version of Windows.  Now that RC1 of Vista is out, the corresponding release candidate for the .NET Framework 3.0 is here too for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

The Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly known as WinFX), is the new managed code programming model for Windows. It combines the power of the .NET Framework 2.0 with new technologies for building applications that have visually compelling user experiences, seamless communication across technology boundaries, and the ability to support a wide range of business processes. These new technologies are Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows CardSpace (formerly code named "Infocard").

Microsoft plans to ship .NET Framework 3.0 as part of the Windows Vista operating system. In addition, Microsoft is making these technologies available on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The following Community Technology Preview of .NET Framework 3.0 enables you to continue experimenting with early builds of these technologies, get acquainted with the development experience, and provide feedback to Microsoft. For more information on these technologies, click here.

Check out the download here

Then, check out Paul Andrew's post on how to set up your development environment.