Windows 7 BETA was available for download only for testers, MSDN and TechNet subscribers, but interestingly Microsoft has now released its much talked Operating System for public download.
Here’s what you need to know:
Source: microsoft.com
This is pre-release software, so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you try the RC.
- You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
- Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
- Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
- Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
- Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.
- To install and use the RC, you’ll need to know how to:
Troubleshoot problems. You’re pretty much flying solo, so you’ll need to handle your own tech support, and rely on other RC testers for their know-how
Burn an ISO file to make an installation DVD
Install Windows
Backup and restore your PC
Set up a network
Create and use a system recovery disk
To learn more about the Windows 7 RC, see frequently asked questions.
System Requirement:-
- Internet access (to download Windows 7 RC and get updates)
A PC with these system requirements:1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
There are 2 versions of Windows 7 for download, 32- and 64-bit versions available in five languages: English, German, Japanese, French, and Spanish.
Do not hurry and download the wrong version of the OS, and realize later that it doesn’t support your current system. This public download will be available till the end of July 2009 and its not limited to specific number of users, so take your time and test your system specifications before starting to download.
Windows 7 is rumored to be released some times in June – July 2009. So you will be still using this free public download version even after the final version of the Operating System is in the market. And more interestingly you will keep receiving the updates till 1 year.
Note that there will be no official system to support users queries, but there are geeks who will be eager to help you at any time, so I think its a worth thing to download and try on your system(if your system meets the requirement). So far our experience with Windows 7 is just awesome(or better than Vista!).
Here is the link for you to register and download Windows 7 for FREE.