[aft_lizard]

Just an FYI for Freepers testing Windows 7. For others who aren't I say create a new partition and give it a whirl, it is a fantastic OS. Just a reminder it is a beta,a well tested one, but a beta nonetheless. So issues like finding proper drivers will still be had but if your system can run XP it more than likely will run 7.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

Any clue as to when this will be available on new computers in the stores.... I need a new laptop but refuse to buy one with Vista on it?

[Hodar]

The biggest problem that I see, is that Win7 will NOT upgrade a WinXP machine. There is an upgrade path from Vista to Win7, but if you have an XP machine you must back up all of your data, and plan to have your disk wiped clean, so Win7 can install.

Personally, I see no real reason to make the change to Win7 at this point in time.

[marvlus]

How can those of us who missed out on the original release of the beta give it a whirl?

[HonorInPa]

VP for a Microsoft Gold Partner -The beta code runs well, boots much faster. MS admitted to us that is this is really Vista SP3 but named it Windows 7 for marketing reasons.

[JoeProBono]

[ShadowAce]

[LearnsFromMistakes]

the death of the mac...thought you would want to know.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

can I still get a beta anywhere?

[shorty_harris]

If the final product sold for $50, and didn’t have product activation, I’d be interested.

[martin_fierro]

Ubuntu 9.04 ("Jaunty Jackelope") Out Today!

[antiRepublicrat]

Just a reminder it is a beta

Actually an RC. :)

[Repeal 16-17]

I use Windows XP SP3 and the next time I will upgrade to another Windows version will be when I buy a new laptop. However, I will read what others say about Windows 7.

[MichiganMan]

While some are likely eagerly awaiting the build to hit torrents, for home testing, Microsoft may actually beat leakers to the punch.

Ok, now see, this I don't buy.  Not for a second will I believe that the inital "leak" was anything less than ordered by Balmer himself.  I think MS is seeing that they have a really good product on their hands with Windows 7 and wanted to get it out there as soon as possible without having to offically support it before they were ready.  Free testing and good word of mouth from said testing to counter Vista's bad rep, AND lots and lots of publicity from the press' reporting of the "leak"  

Brilliant, just brilliant.  

[Hurricane Andrew]

It’s out at the usual torrent sites, both x86 (for those still using it) and 64-bit. I’ve been using it since January on a number of boxes (one being my primary OS at work), and it’s been quite stable, especially the latest (until today) 7077 build. Downloading now and will likely give it a spin on a machine or two over the weekend.

[McGruff]

I've been running Window 7 Beta build 7000 ever since it came out and extremely pleased with it. I installed it into a second partition and very seldom find myself dual-booting Vista instead.

[Freedom56v2]

Just an FYI for Freepers testing Windows 7. For others who aren’t I say create a new partition and give it a whirl, it is a fantastic OS.

Thanks for the post & review; I hate Vista :(