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Microsoft Will Pull Windows 7 RC From Download Next Month

Posted by paul on July 9th, 2009

Microsoft Will Pull Windows 7 RC From Download Next Month

Microsoft has announced that it will remove the Windows 7 Release Candidate from its download servers on August 15. After that date, users will no longer be able to download the OS trial version, but users who have already downloaded it will still be able to install it and get a key to make the system operational.

The release candidate will only remain operational until June 1, 2010. On March 1, 2010, three months prior to its expiration, Microsoft will attempt to speed up Windows adoption when the Release Candidate begins to shut itself down every two hours, a behavior Microsoft also built into the Windows 7 beta. According to some trade publications, Microsoft will release the actual Windows 7 product to manufacturers starting July 13.

The fact that the release candidate requires a clean installation isn’t all-bad. Clean installations come with the side benefit of improving computer performance, at least for awhile. You may also run the risk of losing working drivers and creating conflicts where none existed before, but the release candidate is still part of Microsoft’s test environment. While they believe they have the major performance degraders corrected, there may still be a few lurking time bombs that will reveal themselves only through thorough testing and use.

Windows 7 will be generally available on October 22, according to Microsoft. Even if you don’t plan to upgrade until that time (or you plan to wait for awhile) now may be a good time to assess your computer to see if it can run the new operating system. If not, you may want to consider whether you’ll upgrade the computer or continue to use your older operating system.

If your computer is more than five years old, purchasing a new computer is likely to be the most cost-effective way to upgrade your system. You’re likely to be able to re-use your monitor, keyboard and mouse. If your monitor is old, you may want to consider the purchase of a new LCD monitor. They take up much less room on the desk and use less electricity. The displays are fast, bright and much lighter than the old CRT monitors.

If your computer is two or three years old, your processor is likely up to the task, but your installed memory and available disk space may not be. Consider a hardware upgrade that includes additional RAM. You may also want to add disk space. An external drive will get you a lot of storage space, but external drives are much slower. You’ll notice a performance hit when you attach one.

If your computer already runs Vista, you’re likely to be ready for the new operating system when it comes out. You may want to test your hardware drivers with the Release Candidate to make sure your hardware will perform as expected.

Photo Credit: DocGroove, via Flickr

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Tags: faster computer, speed up Windows, windows 7 release candidate
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Windows 7 Beta Ain’t Misbehavin’

Posted by paul on July 4th, 2009

Windows 7 Beta Ain't Misbehavin'

If you downloaded an early copy of the Windows 7 Beta, you should notice that the OS-wannabe has started acting strangely. The beta version (not the Release Candidate) has started the process of expiring, which means that the system will shut down every two hours. Not exactly a great way to speed up your computer!

Move To Windows 7 Release Candidate

If you haven’t already migrated to the Windows 7 Release Candidate, now would be a good time to do that. The shutdown behavior will continue, and eventually the beta will stop working altogether on August 1. The Release Candidate will start exhibiting the same behavior next spring. June 1, 2010 is the Release Candidate’s “sunset date.” By that time, Windows 7 will have been on the market for about seven and a half months, long enough to get over any cold feet that may seize hold of you.

Windows 7 is faster in most respects than either Windows Vista or Windows XP. It installs faster, loads faster, responds faster and shuts down faster, all common complaints that Microsoft heard from users regarding Vista. Microsoft has gone out of its way to make sure that the move to Windows 7 is trouble-free… inasmuch as that’s possible.

You’ll need to verify that your hardware is up to the task of running Windows 7, especially if you skipped the Vista upgrade. The Windows 7 Advisor can help you determine whether your computer has the right stuff. If you’re already running Windows Vista, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to run Windows 7 out of the box. Windows 7 is built on Windows Vista, so if you’re already running Vista, the move to Windows 7 shouldn’t be too difficult.

If you’ve been working with the Windows 7 beta, you’ll find that the Release Candidate operates more smoothly and fixes a number of problems found in the beta and is generally more stable. Microsoft’s “carrot-and-stick” approach to migrating users may produce some added benefits for early adopters.

Until July 11, Microsoft is offering the Windows 7 operating system at a steep discount for those who are willing to pony up for the new OS right now. If you already have Windows Vista or Windows XP installed, you can get the Windows 7 Home Premium edition for $50.00. If you prefer the Windows 7 Professional Edition, that’s also on sale for $100, providing that you’re upgrading from a similar version of XP or Vista. Windows Ultimate is not part of the pre-sale. It will retail for $319 for the full product and $219 for an upgrade version. After the presale concludes, you’ll pay the rack rate for Windows 7.

Photo Credit: F687/s, via Flickr