The 1.9.0(17) release is now available for download here:
http://secondlife.com/community/macub-alpha.php
Release notes are as follows:
Release Notes for Second Life 1.9.0(17) Mar 20, 2006
=====================================
* IMs containing Unicode characters will once again go directly from sender to recipient correctly
* Upload Texture preview once again contains avatar "mannequin"
* Alt-Zoom from vehicle no longer stops scroll wheel from working
* Version number now appears on the Second Life startup screen
* Resolved an issue where only High level terrain texture could be seen in a region
* Added ability to return to region's default sun position in World > Force Sun
* Added Midnight option to World > Force Sun menu
* Resolved several server- and client-side crash issues