So if you haven’t heard, you can get a free public beta of Windows 7 for a little bit longer. Microsoft had originally said that it would stop downloads at the end of January, but that’s been extended to February 10. (Or February 12, as long as you at least start the beta by 2/10.) Snag your copy by visiting www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7.
A few things you should know: first, the download is massive, so even on a broadband connection you’ll need a few hours. The beta times out on August 1, 2009, and you will not be able to do an in-place upgrade. Don’t worry about product keys, Microsoft says you can still get them after the February download deadline, as long as you’ve downloaded the bits. You can also activate the beta after the February deadline.
Of course if you have an MSDN or TechNet subscription, you don’t need to pay attention to the February deadline; you’ll continue to have access to updated builds as the product winds its way towards release. Finally, remember Microsoft’s advice: “Don’t install the beta if you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems.” (Wait, I thought that applied to ALL versions of Windows?)
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