After spending last couple of days offline, I logged on today and learned that two sites posted news that Microsoft does not want for people to download the beta version of Windows 7.  This was surprising to me, since only thing that Microsoft did was put the 2.5 million user cap. Their servers melted down and people downloaded 2.5 million ISO images. Well, Microsoft decided to show that the company really turned the corner and became more user-friendly than any software vendor out there (yes, brave words from me about MSFT, but facts are facts).

The company removed 2.5 million download cap http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/01/10/here-s-where-we-stand.aspx , hired additional hosting services outside MSFT campus to cope with the load and prolonged the beta download until January 24th. The only caveat was how to get the keys if you’re not TechNet/MSDN subscriber.

Well, friends at Neowin posted a great article about how to legally get a key to Windows 7 Beta http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/10/psstheres-how-to-get-your-windows-7-beta-key . And the way is really easy. All you have to do is have Windows Messenger account and log in on the TechNet’s page http://technet.microsoft.com/ . Then, copy&paste one of addresses from down below and voila – keys will be generated for you (yes, copy and paste in the same window/tab).

• 32-bit Windows 7 DVD Key Generating Page
• 64-bit Windows 7 DVD Key Generating Page

My keys... in nice, shortened version :-P

Ain’t life great? Go, download the ISO images and enjoy in next gen of operating systems from Microsoft. Honestly, I am thinking about ditching 64-bit Vista Ultimate and putting W7 B1 as my default 64-bit OS (I use 32-bit XP, 64-bit Vista + 64-bit Ubuntu).
You can download the images by clicking here:

• 32-bit Windows 7 Beta 1 ISO Image – direct download from Microsoft MSDN site
• 64-bit Windows 7 Beta 1 ISO Image – direct download from Microsoft MSDN site

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Most popular sites like The Pirate Bay, isoHunt and ArenaBG are peaking with requests from users that are dying to see what Windows 7 is all about. Colleagues at ZDnet also didn’t stay astray; they downloaded the latest version (6.1.7000.0.081212-1400) as well, and posted a very detailed preview. Judging by their feedback, this beta is so stable that Microsoft does not need to work on W7 anymore. Given by sour taste left by Vista, I could not agree more. C’mon Microsoft, release this baby as soon as possible.

When it comes to release date, it seems that my sources were dead right and that this operating system is on track with release in August 2009, in time for Back to School. Will we see 22 and 24″ touch screens from Dell, HP and others in tandem with W7? That remains to be seen.

Oh right, if you want to download the beta version of Windows 7, you have to have bit-torrent client installed. Personally, I prefer to use µTorrent (microtorrent). Be warned, as with all beta software, I am not responsible if you mess up your computer in any way. But if you don’t have at least two partitions (dedicated one for the OS, other for data and apps), chances are that you are not the best candidate to evaluate beta software.

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