Microsoft has released the latest preview version of its forthcoming Windows Vista operating system to beta testers.

The October Community Technology Preview adds features to previous versions of the operating system, including diagnostics tools that enable users to more easily manage and diagnose their systems. It also adds improved synchronisation between computers and mobile devices.

The new release focuses on Internet Explorer 7 and the efforts made by Microsoft to improve the browser's security and usability.

Microsoft periodically issues Community Technology Preview versions of Vista between the official beta releases.

A first beta of Vista was released in July, and the company issued its first preview last month at the Microsoft Professional Developer Conference in Los Angeles.

Microsoft has not disclosed when Beta 2.0 of the software will be made available.
The latest preview is available through the Windows Vista Technical Beta Programme, MSDN and Technet.