Windows 7 beta (officially) flies free tomorrow
So let it be written, so let it be done. During Steve Ballmer’s decidedly humdrum keynote yesterday evening, the Microsoft CEO made several announcements that were less than surprising. In fact, the majority of Ballmer’s key points were leaked earlier this week. One simple statement however, has the tech blogosphere buzzing and rightfully so. That statement: “I’m thrilled to announce the availability of the Windows 7 beta.” Despite the fact that everyone and their 10-year-old torrent-traversing nephew has already gotten their hands on unofficial builds of Microsoft’s upcoming revival OS, the beta release of 7 marks the start of what is looking like a huge (HUGE) turning point for Microsoft. It’s not exactly a state secret that Vista has been a low point for the company; love it or hate it, the OS has a negative stigma that has been a blemish on Redmond since Vista was first previewed. With each passing day and each new mention of Windows 7, the dark and dingy room that Microsoft had been trapped in gets a bit brighter. Rumors of July upgrade availablility are one thing, but the official public release of the Windows 7 beta is big, big stuff. When it becomes available tomorrow, anyone with a PC and about 45 free minutes (yup, it can be installed in as little as 45 minutes) should download Windows 7 from http://www.microsoft.com/windows7 – you can be sure we will.
Vista is great, but upgrades are always welcomed.
Awesome! I will most certainly be downloading this. I’m definitely excited about Windows 7, especially the claims about it possibly running faster than XP or Vista on older machines. That’s very good news.
Anyone know what type of hardware requirements are necessary to run the Windows 7 beta?
I’m new to the beta scene and want to download it. Is it free to try for 30 days or is it free forever basically how does that work ?
i dont know the requirements, but i’m running build 7000 on a althon64 3500+ (2.2ghzm 2gb of DRR400 ram and a 7800gt. my computer booted about 7 seconds faster then xp and feels alot snapper.
THe coolest thing is that most of the apps i’ve installed on my xp hardrive still work in windows 7.
I am excited about this…still worried about drivers though. I am running Vista 64-bit. I wonder if 7 64-bit will be available as well.
Maybe I’ll give it a whirl.
I know it says it’ll be available tomorrow, but what time? Midnight? Noon? When? I have a job and this could make a difference darnit!
hey im running it on a 4 year old laptop thats packing a 6 gig hard drive 2 gigs of ram a 128mb video card an a single core 1.6ghz processoer trustg me windows 7 runs easy on it nice an snappy and well worth the plunge
Its on MSDN right now… perks of being Microsoft employee
!
@Eric… The 64-bit version is currently available for download on MSDN so it should be available in the public release as well.
I’m going to try the 64-bit version.
Actually, all versions and updates (x86 and 64bit) are available on MSDN for subscribers. No Lic. keys available yet tho – states to just use without, and to check back in a few days.
I’m running Vista 64bit. Anyone know if I should try and “upgrade” to Windows 7 or should I try and wipe it and do a clean install?
So far so good. A friend of mine gave me a copy of Windows 7 beta build 7000 and it works pretty nice.
I virtualized it using MS Virtual PC but have not tried it out on VM Ware yet. Will try on VM Ware either today or tomorrow.
Specs for laptop running it: Virtual settings – 10GB virtual drive (MS 7 asked for 5567 MB or so of hdd space), 1gb ram. Installed Kasperskys Antivirus prototype for MS 7. Also, so far all my aps for Vista and XP work with Windows 7.
Laptop specs: XPS 1530 – 4GB Ram – 2.6 GHz, Intel Dual Core, 320GB HDD, MS Vista Ultimate
Downloaded Win7 x64 last night, installed it and loving it. I love having TechNet and get everything before the public. I’m going to install every app and game I have on it today and see what happens. So far, everything is working like a charm and much quicker response times to every taks than Vista x64. I won’t be shocked if this becomes my production OS at home within a week or so. I would recommend anyone that has the time to install and use this daily, do it! You will be very pleased!
Downloading now (MSDN sub.), may install x64 on the lappy tonight and see how it goes (currently running Vista x64 to take advantage of 4GB RAM). x86 and x64 are on MSDN, so I assume they will both be available to the public.
We’ve skipped Vista at a corporate level to focus on 7 so this should be the future of our enterprise. I’m excited.
To answer Charles, this beta expires in August. I assume Vista x64 drivers will work. james, Vista SP1 is the only supported upgrade path but upgrading OS versions is seldom a good idea. Install this on that “spare” PC or a VM first to get a feel for it, then backup, format, and clean install for best results.
Do you guys know where to go to get the new windows tomorrow?
Windows 7 is also known as Windows “FIXA” is little more than Vista Service Pack 2! Think the Wow will start soon?
Yes, this is just Vista as it should have been at launch. Which right now is fine.
I don’t begrudge them changing the name and pretending it’s a new OS since ‘Vista’ is permanently tainted (eternal thread apologists aside). Though it would be nice if they let Vista owners upgrade for free.
Can’t wait to get this.
got it!!!
am impressed!
Windows 7 >>> Android
Anyone been able to get the microsoft page to laod this morning?
I am downloading it now from Technet (Membership has privilages!)
It seemed to be down for awhile but I just got the site to load. Still says on the site to “come back this afternoon”. It’s 10:50…12:01pm is afternoon right?