A little earlier than expected, Microsoft has already released the Windows 7 release candidate to the general public. The Redmond company had already put the RC up for download on TechNet and MSDN, but from now on, everyone can download it. I've already updated all my Windows machines to the RC, so let's take a quick look at what I found. Note: The Windows XP Mode beta is also set to arrive today, but has not yet been made available. We'll update this item accordingly once it's released. Update: The Windows XP Mode beta is also available. Get it now!
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Member since:2005-06-29
For me, a year is more than enough time to decide whether I want to buy it. I also rarely use Windows; right now just to update my BlackBerry's system software and to screw around with custom firmware on my PSP. Otherwise OS X and Linux have me covered. My wife, who until she met me only ever used Windows, actually prefers the Mac for web browsing and games. The kids love iLife and all the ported Linux games on their managed accounts.
As I've said previously, I really like what I've seen of 7 but I doubt I'll ever go back to that world; it would be a severe downgrade for us. I've always viewed computers as either an appliance that should work simply and well, or as a hobby to satisfy my tinkering nature. My Macs are my appliances and my other PCs running Linux are the hobby.
Member since:2007-02-17
It starts expiring three months before then, apparently.
http://www.itpro.co.uk/blogs/daveyw/2009/05/07/has-microsoft-gone-m...
You know what, it is actually a good idea. Until, that is, you get to the bit about what happens when that year is up. Or rather what happens before that year is up.
...
What is totally mental, and I mean running around without the supermarket without your pants on shouting “where is the mustard” mad, would be to start shutting down the user PC every two hours until they upgrade to a paid for OS and to start this nutball feature THREE MONTHS before the thing actually expires.
Yet that is exactly what some loon at Microsoft thought would be a good idea, and that’s what is going to happen. Starting March 1st 2010 your PC will shut down every two hours.
Wibble wibble wibble indeed.
Member since:
2006-03-13
... I'd be more interested. As it is, I spend 90% of my time in Linux and only boot to Windows when I want to emulate Amiga (WinUAE is lightyears ahead of it's Linux equivalent)