Windows 7 RC1

Lord_Azrael · Windows 7 RC1

If anyone fancies a bash of the latest operating system from Microsoft due to be released later this year, grab a free copy of RC1 ( the release candidate) from:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

You'll be issued with a free key from microsoft and it will run fully functional until March next year. If you don't upgrade to the full version before then it will start shutting down every 2 hours, but going by the results from my testing so far, I'll be getting the full version on release!
It runs a lot faster and smoother than my Vista install and as I'm running the 64-bit version, it also makes use of all 4GB of my RAM. I've also had no issues with drivers for any of my hardware as they've obviously been talking to the manufacturers this time and drivers are already available.
Therefore there should be none of the issues with items not being supported with this version on release.

If you're building your pc up now, or you want a clean start with it, chuck this on and have a go!

IainC

Aye, heard a lot of good reports about it, a lot of people are having the same experiences with it as yourself.

Also provides decent backwards compatibility with XP by being able to run a virtual XP machine inside windows 7.

Was planning when I get a moment, upgrading this laptop here to it (I currently dual boot xp and vista), this would allow me to do it all from a single partition.

Needs plenty of downtime though, seeing as it's my work machine and in use constantly

BikeOnBye

Anything has to be an improvement on Vista!

I hear good reports about Windows 7.

Keep us all informed as to how it performs

Lord_Azrael

I've never really had any trouble with Vista, but then mine is a steroid induced gaming rig, so it functions well. I know that is is resource hungry so standard machines have been struggling a bit. With 7 this seems to have been ironed out and it really does seem to run a lot better, but I think you'd really have to try it on a machine that's been struggling with Vista to get a really accurate account of how much better it is.

I've only just found one other tiny snag with it as I've just got my new Fuji FinePix s2000HD camera (awesome piece of kit, but that's for another review....) and the Viewer software that comes for the PC reports an I/O error when the camera connects. I don't have an issue with this as the computer recognises the camera fine anyway and I can still access all of the pictures and will be using Photoshop to edit any images I need to.

For a release candidate, I'd be happy to stake a claim that it's ready to roll as it is.

Lord_Azrael

***Windows 7 Pre-Order***

The official release of Windows 7 is set for 22nd October, however, you can pre-order it from the 15th July! Why bother you may ask...because it's also a lot cheaper by doing this.
Windows 7E Home Premium is set to be £50 full-retail version on pre-order!
This will go up to around £80 by release day.

The only issue that Microsoft have come up against this time is a ruling from Europe oon their monopoly effect with web browsers, hence the european version (ie Windows 7E) will not come with a web browser, so you will need to install your own choice of browser.
Due to this stipulation, it will therefore not have an 'upgrade' option and you will need to do a fresh install of the OS.
This is actually a good thing as it's a good excuse to clear the system out and get a new lease of life for it with a much better OS.

Many major retailers will be taking preorders from Wednesday, Curry's, Dixons, PC World. Amazon etc. Check their websites for further details.

Martin

download Ubuntu (and all upgrades) for FREE........

niceguyrichy

Lord_Azrael

It must be said there are a few other choices out there for Operating Systems, but I'm afraid Windows is the only way to go especially if you're a gamer (or for that matter, anyone who wants a good selection of any software)

I've just pre-ordered my copy of 7 today for just £44.97 at Amazon.

Martin

No, I don't "game", as far as I can see, possibly the only reason to ever allow Windoze near a computer.......

I'll put up with a computer that boots up in a tiny fraction of the time it needed running Windoze, that is a positive "screamer" when running Linux programmes in comparison to Windoze bloatware, and have distant memories of viruses and the need for antivirus programmes, firewalls etc........

Apart from gaming there is the most stupendous selection of totally FREE software for Linux, that is usually far faster and superior to Windoze programmes in every way. The only "problem" (as seen by 'doze users) is that they can't run their beloved "Word" , "photoshop",or other "built for windoze" programmes, but overlook the fact that "Open Office" , "The Gimp" etc. will probably do the job better, faster, and for FREE!.......

Bigman

I ordered pro for 97quid... cant wait.....

isn't it weird how people usually go windows or linux(etc.) I used to have both alot... so is it just me??????

Martin

£97?............. that's a small fortune - I set up for beekeeping on about that - (2 hives, bees, beesuit, veil, smoker etc.....) - hells bells!

Lord_Azrael

Yeah, I was looking at the Pro version but didn't see any real reason for the jump in price as most of the additonal content is business based.
I've stuck with the Home Premium this time around as I already run Vista Ultimate and saw no major advantage with that over the Home versions.

However, I may just snag a free copy of 7 Ultimate from Microsoft if I get to host a launch party for them......
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits...host-a-party-get-windows-7-free/1