Microsoft’s Community Technical Preview (CTP) of Windows Vista for December is due for imminent release. Paul Thurrott pitched it for Monday, but it seems to have been delayed by a few days.

The new Build, 5270, has many of the promised features and enhancements in a fairly advanced state. ActiveWin has a rundown of what to expect in the build:

1. Advanced Security
Windows Defender. Improved detection and removal. A redesigned and simplified user interface. Protection for all users. BitLocker Drive Encryption. Control over installation of device drivers. International Domain Names support in Internet Explorer 7. Parental controls. Enhanced firewall. Inbound and outbound filtering. Advanced security.

2. Enhanced Performance and Power State Transitions
Single-button on and off control. Fast off. Expandable storage devices for Windows SuperFetch.

3. Progress on User Interface and Design Elements
Aero. Windows Media Center. Windows Media Player 11.

Something for everyone’s Christmas stocking.