The RTM release of the Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 4 is now available for download in either ISO or Web Setup format. Here are a few key features about this Software Development Kit (SDK):
· Smaller/Faster: at less than 600MB, this SDK is less than half the size of the previous SDK, producing a faster install with a smaller on disk footprint
· Cleaner Setup: setup screens have been grouped into native, managed, and common buckets to help you more easily choose the components you need
· VC++ 2010 Compilers (32 & 64-bit): use the new C++ compilers and CRT that also ship in Visual Studio 2010 for improved run-time and design-time performance
· Microsoft Help System 1.0: the new help system introduced with Visual Studio 2010 that enables you to view documentation either online or offline and selectively choose which documentation to maintain offline
· .NET Framework 4 Tools and Reference Assemblies: use tools and reference assemblies updated specifically for .NET Framework 4 development
· MSBuild: support for .NET Framework 4 MSBuild in the SDK Command line for building native and managed applications using new Visual Studio 2010 project files (such as the vcxproj file for C++ applications)
Installation:
The web setup format allows you to install a specific subset of the SDK you select without having to download the entire SDK. The ISO setup format allows you to download the entire SDK and burn a DVD to install later on another computer. This release of the SDK provides three ISO choices. Choose the ISO that matches your needs:
· Use the X86 ISO If you are installing the SDK on a computer with a 32-bit operating system.
· Use the X64 ISO if you are installing the SDK on a computer with a 64-bit operating system.
· Use the IA64 ISO if you are installing the SDK on a computer with a 64-bit operating system and an Itanium processor.
Though it is not necessary for all usage scenarios, installing the .NET Framework 4 is recommended.
Compatibility:
· Operating Systems: Install on and create applications for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XPSP3, and Windows Server 2003 R2.
· Platform architecture: Install this SDK on and/or create applications for platform chipsets X86, X64, and Itanium.
· .NET Framework: Create applications that target the .NET Framework versions 2.0 (SP2) , 3.0 (SP2) , 3.5 (SP1), 4.
· Visual Studio: Use the resources in this SDK with Visual Studio versions 2005, 2008, and 2010, including Express editions (not all features work with all versions of Visual Studio).
Learn More:
Stayed tuned to the Windows SDK blog as well as the Windows SDK MSDN Developer Center for more information about the Windows SDK. As always, please look over the Release Notes for a description of known issues before you install the SDK.
The Windows SDK Team