My experience with Windows 7 Beta
Windows 7, the next version of Windows after Vista, has been officially released by Microsoft as a Beta this weekend.
I decided to install it on my spare Dell notebook computer. (I keep a spare computer because it means that I would have limited downtime if my main computer suffered a major failure. Because my data is backed up regularly and I am a user of cloud computing on the web for some important stuff such as email, calendar, tasks and so on, I can be operational again very quickly in the event of a computer disaster. If I had to rush out and buy a new PC, or wait for a technician this would not be the case.)
Here are some key points about installing Windows 7 Beta as well as some information about my experience.
- Only 2.5 million serial numbers will be issued so if you want to try Windows 7 Beta and have it ‘last’ until August 2009 when the Beta will expire, then get downloading as soon as possible. Otherwise you will only get a 30 day trial and will only be able to extend the trial period to 120 days by a method which appears in a ComputerWorld article I will refer you to.
- Once the Beta period expires you will either have to revert to another edition of Windows (Vista or XP) or purchase Windows 7. Bear in mind that you will NOT be able to upgrade your Beta install to the full Windows 7 version once you have purchased it.
- The download is over 2GB.
- You will need to burn the downloaded .iso file to a DVD. Active@ ISO Burner is a freeware application that will allow you to burn an ISO image file to CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DL DVD+RW, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. (Active ISO Burner is very easy to use). Note: the downloaded file may look like a Zip file. Do not attempt to unzip it – just burn it to DVD using the software above and it will be recognised as an .iso file.
- Get Windows 7 Beta from here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx
- Do not get Windows 7 Beta from Torrents or similar – get it from the official site above.
- Do not use the Beta on your main home or business PC. Microsoft warn against this and also comment whilst the Beta is good quality, they will not support it if something goes awry. You are on your own. Before you complain….how much did you pay for it? Nothing.
- Get key information from the excellent ComputerWorld resource here. This is a very good article – do read it, however I suggest you get on with obtaining your serial number as soon as possible.
- The installer runs from within Windows (i.e Windows has to be running) and you need Vista patched to at least SP1. I chose an upgrade option which failed right at the end, despite my having started off with a clean and new copy of my Vista installation. I tried again, but this time went for the complete new install option for Windows 7 Beta, which was successful.
- Computing has long been an interest of mine since the 1981 when I learnt BASIC programming. I like the shiny new toy aspect of Windows 7, however by running it on my spare PC it means I can get used to it before I use it in my daily work. I can also test websites (I am a web developer and webmaster) in Internet Explorer 8 and software applications.
- Enjoy!
Addendum: Since writing the post I have discovered that the 2.5 million limit on serial numbers has been temporarily lifted – until January 24th.
Addendum: January 24th 2009
Two interesting articles –
What scares me about Windows 7
Why I can’t get enough of Windows 7
Addendum: February 11th 2009
Gizmodo’s guide:
Related Posts:
Category: Software
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
You’ve done it once more. Great article!