Windows 7 news roundup -- skim this and be in the know

By Microsoft Subnet on Fri, 01/09/09 - 4:38pm.

Updated 01-26-09:

Google News lists tens of thousands of Windows 7 stories published in the past couple of weeks. What more is there to say about the beta operating system? And how much do you have to read before you know what you need to know? Truth is, not much. So at Microsoft Subnet we offer you what you really need ... a roundup of the news important to the enterprise. Here goes ...

Windows 7 beta availability extended -- IDG News Service reports that Microsoft has extended the general availability of the Windows 7 beta until Feb. 10.

Windows 7: the untold story of how the enterprise gets snubbed -- While Microsoft has added some fancy new features aimed at the enterprise (see box, below) it seems to have treated the enterprise's needs as an afterthought, contends Windows guru Paul Thurrott in an interview with Microsoft Subnet.

What Will the Netbook Version of Windows 7 Look Like? -- Microsoft confirmed it will ship a netbook version of the operating system and OSNews speculates that it will be a version that has specific, extra features for netbook use.

Evidence Of Five Windows 7 Retail Versions Surprises No One -- Gizmodo reports that Microsoft is set on making a Vista-like mistake and releasing perhaps seven (count 'em, 7,) version of Windows 7 to retailers. These are Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

10 Windows 7 beta videos depicting all the best stuff in the new OS -- This series of videos shows you all the cool stuff, compiled by product testers at Infoworld.

Windows 7 beta shows off task bar, UI goodies -- Computerworld's review of the new features released in the latest beta.

Windows 7 Public Beta: First Impressions -- PC World's review of the beta, including features like Jump List (a mini-menu added to many apps), Action Center (a central location for security/admin functions), User Account Control (improved) and HomeGroups (home networking).

Windows 7 in a Virtual PC -- Infoworld's Martin installed the Windows 7 public beta in a Virtual PC and all was well until he installed the VM additions. His advice, don't install VM additions now -- they aren't fully baked yet.

Why Windows 7 will crush Linux -- Microsoft Subnet's Ron Barrett offers three reasons why ... PowerShell, open source for Windows, features that don't kill resources.

Windows 7: Home Networking In Three Steps -- Informationweek says Windows 7 makes it easy to connect devices.

Microsoft postpones Windows 7 public beta -- Heavy traffic was the reason given for halting the public availability of the beta. Microsoft will cap the beta's activation keys at 2.5 million, but said it will allow plenty more downloads under the operating system's 30-day trial.

Five Reasons Microsoft Plans Free Windows 7 Upgrades -- ChannelWeb's look at Microsoft's upgrade strategy, which is surprisingly similar to its botched Vista-compatible plan.