Technology If you want a free and legal Windows 7.

[masta247]

The RC (release candidate) is already out. You can download it for free and use it for free till June 2010.

Here's the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

Before there are any questions it's always better and safer to install 32 bit version. Even if you have a 64 bit compatible processor.

 

[PaulyPac]

I'm running build 7100 right now, it's pretty sweet.

 

[2Pax]

I'm interested in trying this but I have a few questions.

How exactly does installation work? Does it format the current OS? Will I lose all the data on my HD?

 

[PaulyPac]

I'm interested in trying this but I have a few questions.

How exactly does installation work? Does it format the current OS? Will I lose all the data on my HD?

No

If you do a clean install it will copy your old hd files into a folder called Windows old. You can just retrieve your files from there after then delete it.

 

[Prize Gotti]

I'm tempted, but what happens in a years time when its no longer free to use?

 

[masta247]

I'm tempted, but what happens in a years time when its no longer free to use?

You have to either upgrade it to the official retail version or remove it/format and install anything else as your OS.

 

[PaulyPac]

By the time this expires there will most likely be a full retail crack

 

[masta247]

most probably

Windows 7 retail is coming out somewhat between October and December this year.

 

[S O F I]

Leopard in this bitch.

 

[PaulyPac]

most probably

Windows 7 retail is coming out somewhat between October and December this year.

I'm pretty sure it's the end of August now.

 

[masta247]

They said that they are planning a RTM (release to manufacturing) version for August. They are still running tests + have to implement many new functions and do all the graphics. The current Windows 7 build is still using Vista graphic and many Vista functions only running on a new Windows 7 core (which in fact is a redone Vista core).
There's still a lot to be made:

By the way the beta version of Windows XP looked like this:
http://www.winsupersite.com/images/reviews/whistler_beta1_0017.gif

And Windows Vista/server in the beginning looked like this:
http://www.winsupersite.com/images/showcase/lhs_beta2_02.jpg

At the very same stage of development Windows 7 looked like this:
http://www.benchmark.pl/uploads/image/windows7.jpg

Untill the RTM release most Microsoft systems look like previous systems.
Graphics are redone in the last phase.

Also usually there are 2 RC phases, 1 RTM phase and after a few months there's a retail release. This time Microsoft plans to do it a bit faster to finish it before the holiday season.

 

[PaulyPac]

Awesome! I'm just happy I got rid of Vista

 

[masta247]

There's the official release date for Windows 7 announced and it is....
October 22nd!

So if you're stuck and thinking about buying Vista or a PC with Vista don't bother. There's a version of 7 that's almost ready to ship and soon will be installed on branded notebooks that will be already in sale on 22th Oct.
And that also means that Windows 7 will probably be available to download for free for students on ELMS a bit earlier (since that was also the case with Vista).

 

[THEV1LL4N]

so what about when you want to revert back to your old OS once windows 7 has expired in 2010? will you lost data when reverting back?

 

[masta247]

You have to install the full retail version of Windows 7 to use it further. I believe that there's no way to install an older version of Windows while there's a newer one installed.