That was yesterday (and this morning) when they had server issues. It is up now. Windows 7 Beta Customer Preview
Man! I was about to ask the same thing too! Well, they said there's a huge traffic jam inside it when it was released. 2.5mil keys are provided for the first 2.5mil beta testers. Also, to obtain the W7 beta, one must sign in and download from IE first. I can't get it to redirect in Firefox! edit: Okay, got it! I received the key for the W7 Beta 32-bit only. I love to try 64-bit but I don't have the amount of RAM right now to do so.
Don't know why I can't make it to start thru Firefox, but I could get it working thru IE. Strange! I'm now downloading the 32-bit one from the Microsoft. So anyone tried that before? Is it good? I want to see less slowdowns and more simplified interface. Never mind the aeroglass, but I need the more backwards compatibility and in the same time, more support for future programs!
I think backwards compatibility is pretty much dead. It does run a lot leaner and better though. I love the new taskbar (much more efficient use of space). Live messenger is a seperate download (I think it is live essentials - its on Microsoft's Windows 7 page - the download link that is). Biggest improvement that I see so far is UAC (much more customizable - as it has different tiers). Also the windows itself is real nice. If you drag a window out of the desktop, it will resize back into the desktop. Possibly something to do with the touch features I guess...
Anyone tried it yet? I guess this is what Vista should have been. A lot of experimental features on Vista that was improved.
I have it installed on my spare Raptor drive. Aero is now a LOT more functional (not just purdy purdy).
Cool. If it could run well without trashing the HDD I guess it'll do well in my other lower-end systems. Currently I'm planning to test it on my another PC with E2140. However, could it run earlier versions of Office?
I guess it's safe to say if it wont install on Vista, don't expect it to work on 7 (16bit installers).
Yup. Had the Beta since last month. So far, I like it, even the Aero is nicer. Not much time to explore around yet. The good thing is with the drivers installation, now it will automatically download from Windows Update, before checking in driver store and OEM driver folder without prompting user for action. One more thing... devices and printers.
Let's see: Windows 1.0 Windows 2.0 Windows 3.0 Windows 3.1 Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME (NT is born) Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 ..... What type of math is this?
Looks like they removed the 2.5 million limit and instead are using a time frame limit (so more than 2.5 million people can DL it). Here?s where we stand - Windows 7 Team Blog - The Windows Blog
Actually NT 4.0 is the first NT based OS. I think the 7 comes from the NT 7.0 but I don't see how different Windows 7 is compared to Vista to justify a a new version number.
i think i should just stick with vista. you wouldnt know when Window 8 is coming next early two year if M$ said they make mistake in 7 again.
It's just a beta. A test drive. Not a 24/7 OS replacement. Plus I don't think it will be out till next year (Beta goes straight through later this year and then it will expire - and probably the RCs will roll out and then the RTM and retail releases). It is an interim upgrade at best but already it runs a lot nicer/leaner. The new interfaces are nice. DX11 will come to Vista too though (if that rocks anyone's boats).
Actually, word on the street is that Windows 7 will be out by the end of this year. They are already planning for a Tech Guarantee Program in July - Tech ARP - The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program If I'm not mistaken, such programs are always initiated no more than 6 months (or so) from the actual launch date. So, I'm personally looking at a late 2009 launch, instead of a 2010 launch.
In Windows Vista's defence, it really isn't as bad as what many people are saying. They just have to try upgrading to SP1 first before complaining. Heh... I'm using Vista 64-bit in both my notebook and the Tech ARP testbed and it works great. Well, I don't think Microsoft has anything on the map for a Windows 7 replacement quite so soon.
Hey guys, I read that the W7 beta will frizzles every each of the MP3 files inside the HDD when you installed it. There's the issue and hotfix about this one. Or it only happened when I turn on the WMP and nothing will happen?
