Microsoft offers Windows 7 free for 1 year starting … now!
May 5th, 2009, 12:05 am · 11 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
Many consumers want to forget Windows Vista, Microsoft’s last major overhaul of its prolific operating system. Perhaps Microsoft does too?
Hence, today, it’s offering the brand-spanking new Windows 7 operating system FREE to anyone willing to download and install it on a computer. Try it, see if you like it, seems to be the thinking. This comes four months after opening the beta test to 2.5 million people.
The new ”Release Candidate” version of Windows 7 will expire June 1, 2010, at which point you’ll need to install a paid version. (The official version should be available by January 2010, according to Microsoft.) The RC is pretty much the final version of the software, minus any last-minute updates, fixes and patches. But as any computer user knows, software gets updated and patched long after the official launch. The RC is also the version that other hardware and software companies use to develop applications or make their products compatible.
Windows 7 is supposed to be a simpler, faster new operating system that is easier to figure out than Windows Vista. With Microsoft now allowing anyone to try before you buy, it’s definitely worth a look.
A bit of technical knowledge is needed. The download is an .iso file so it needs to be burned to a DVD and then run like an installation disc. Microsoft’s instructions are HERE.
While I downloaded the beta back in January, I have not played with Windows 7 enough to offer a preliminary review. Gadgetress’ PC Club contributor Ed Schwartz has been playing with the product since January and offers thoughts on his blog. Other reviewers are saying that it’s worth the download.
ComputerWorld.com has a very good guide to the Windows 7 download. The story mentions that the free download will be available to the end of July 2009. And there will be no technical support other than user forums.
Links to more reviews:
- Windows 7 on an entry level netbook: first look (IT Wire)
- What to expect from Windows 7 (Ed Bott at ZD Net)
- Windows 7 RC1 review (PC Advisor)
- Review: Windows 7 RC1 adds speed, UI improvements — and promises more to come (ComputerWorld)
UPDATE: As of midnight, the free RC download is now showing up on Microsoft’s site. A full FAQ page is available.
What are the minimum computer requirements? According to Microsoft:
- 1 GHz processor or faster.
- 1 GB of RAM (32-bit)/2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit)/20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver
To download Windows 7, go to Microsoft.com or Microsoft’s Windows 7 page (microsoft.com/windows7.) Some reminders: Microsoft encourages you to back up all existing data before installing Windows 7. And ultimately, Microsoft is still conducting a test on the software so be aware that some user information will make its way back to the company. Here is Microsoft’s privacy policy for the Windows 7 RC download: “Windows 7 Pre-release (RC) Privacy Statement.”
More on Windows 7:
Reader Comments
Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement.- Keep it civil and stay on topic.
- No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks.
- People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
- By posting your comment, you agree to allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Register publications without any notification or payment.
11 Comments
-
ADVERTISEMENT
-
Things to do
-
To view local listings CLICK
HERE
Or visit your TV provider: * Cox Cable * Time Warner Cable * DirecTV * Dish Network * AT&T U-verse * Verizon FiOS *
Watch a show online HERE. Get TV/mobile help on Twitter
-
-
The North Orange County Computer Club answers your tech questions. Visit the PC Club page and the Stump archives.Recent Q&As:
>>Click HERE for more PC Club answers 
More O.C. Tech News- SRCH2 Bolsters Enterprise Search With Broad Language Support May 22, 2013
- San Diego, Irvine Tops For Engineering Job Demand, Says Report May 21, 2013
- AnyMeeting Gives Gentle Nudge Towards Pro Plans May 21, 2013
- Kaleio Launches Professional Workforce Networking Service May 20, 2013
- ChicksStarter Pulls Together Funding For A Lucky Female Startup May 20, 2013
- YouMail Spins New Updates To Android App May 20, 2013
- Alteryx Gets $12M For Big Data Analysis Tools May 20, 2013
- QLogic In CEO Shuffle May 20, 2013
- Privlo Raises $2.1M For Private Mortgage Marketplace May 17, 2013
- Mindspeed Adds Board Member May 17, 2013
-
ADVERTISEMENT
Here's a list of TV/mobile companies helping consumers one tweet at a time. 
i want to use this for personal use
How does OC Register pay Miss “Gadgetress”, if she can’t even review Windows 7? I mean this isn’t some small bit software, its only a OS that 90% of planet uses. Instead she relys on someone else review
maybe OC register need to re think their pay role for her job
Great segue into what I now cover: TV and cell phone services. Readers demand it, so I’m giving it to them. I rarely do reviews these days. It’s something I’d like to get back into someday…
Tamara, good job on those coverages; who handles internet and web related stories?
Try the beat reporters covering various topics. A good way to figure out who covers what is to head to the Register’s blog page, at ocregister.com/blogs. I still may bite, so you can always pitch me on tech stuff.
It is the Release Candidate, not the official release. If you are not technically inclined, then you should avoid messing with it.
If you want to check it out with minimal risk, run it as a virtualized guest o/s. Install the free VirtualBox v2.2.2 (search google for it), and install it as a guest o/s.
You can use this for anything you want. I have been using windows 7 for a few months now & it’s rock SOLID! In fact I’m actually going to buy a full boxed version (x64) when it comes out. It’s faster & more response that XP & Vista (SP1) in my opinion.
People need to start moving to 64 bit in my opinion so they can use all their RAM & not just the 3 GB offered in x32 bit software.
Specs:
Core 2 Duo 3.2Ghz
3 GB DDR 2 RAM
Nvidia 8800 GT
Waiting to get a new pc for 1/10, then, it looks like. Just waiting for this. Glad to hear it’s going to get even more unofficial testing before it’s packaged on new machines.
Note that if you install it , it EXPIRES and stops working June 1, 2010, so if you replace a working version of an other OS, you’d better have the discs to install it back again (or something else) if you aren’t prepared to buy it when it expires.
I tried the x64 RC version not too long ago and the new o/s needs a lot of adjustments. I’ll wait until SP1 comes out. The new o/s also has many driver issues. If you’re not technically savvy I strongly recommend against it. In addition, for those who don’t have much experience installing/upgrading windows o/s you’ll have a very very tough time downgrading the operating system. Install at your own risk.
After a huge flop with Window Vista with full of bugs, Microsoft needs Beta Testers Windows 7 for free. Microsoft should paying you, not forcing, you to test. Be careful before you upgrade. Think twice.
Most likely your computers and laptops are good enough. Save money and time for raining days ahead.