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Microsoft have released their latest OS in Beta version. If you want to check it out, pop over to Microsoft's site, where you can download a Beta version, the download is around 2.3 GB, and you get an activation key (valid until August 2009), you need a Live ID or windows passport to enable a download.
Download it here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx
There are 2 options for install, if you have Vista +SP1 you can do an upgrade install, otherwise a clean install. I chose the upgrade install, and it took around 60 minutes to install, a clean install would be shorter I reckon as 50% of the time was spent migrating programmes/files/settings etc
The install went smoothly (4 reboots) and effectively migrated everything across seamlessly, all peripherals work fine, I've checked all the main programmes and all work OK, the only adjustment I had to make was to my desktop screen resolution, although it recognised and installed my dual monitor set-up.
Impressions
I've been a fan of Vista since it was brought out, although I recognise (and agree with ) some of the complaints around this OS, it appears Microsoft has listened to some of the angst, and has tried to rectify in Windows 7.
This isn't a review of all the new features in this OS, there is plenty out there to reference if needed.
First off, the task bar is much more user friendly, and you can change, modify add as needed, loads more information provided, for example, a large preview appears if you hover the mouse over a taskbar icon, you can also chose the behaviour of icons on the task bar-show/hide/notifications only.
The desktop is more friendly and configurable, with neat touches like being able to maximise a window by dragging it to the top of the screen.
The home network settings are loads easier to manage, particularly file sharing across the network, although it could be done in Vista or XP, W7 makes it a cinch.
The disliked sidebar (resource hungry) has gone, you can display your gadgets on the desktop if required.
Security-all the security functions have been gathered together in one place 'Action Centre', where the anti-virus, firewall, back-up, restore, troubleshooting, restore settings are held.
The dreaded UAC function is more configurable, so you can avoid the multiple pop ups whenever you want to change anything.
Performance, early days yet, but the start and shut-down is quicker, and appears more efficient when multiple windows are open.
In conclusion, a worthwhile upgrade, and (for me) a polishing off to Vista, making it the OS it should be, however, this 'upgrade' should be a Service Pack upgrade and certainly not having to part with our hard earned cash for a new operating system, which Microsoft intends it to be.
The usual caveat, this is a Beta version of an OS , therefore 'unfinished' , and if it goes t*ts up, there is no technical support, so be careful you are not up ******-creek without a paddle.
Download it here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx
There are 2 options for install, if you have Vista +SP1 you can do an upgrade install, otherwise a clean install. I chose the upgrade install, and it took around 60 minutes to install, a clean install would be shorter I reckon as 50% of the time was spent migrating programmes/files/settings etc
The install went smoothly (4 reboots) and effectively migrated everything across seamlessly, all peripherals work fine, I've checked all the main programmes and all work OK, the only adjustment I had to make was to my desktop screen resolution, although it recognised and installed my dual monitor set-up.
Impressions
I've been a fan of Vista since it was brought out, although I recognise (and agree with ) some of the complaints around this OS, it appears Microsoft has listened to some of the angst, and has tried to rectify in Windows 7.
This isn't a review of all the new features in this OS, there is plenty out there to reference if needed.
First off, the task bar is much more user friendly, and you can change, modify add as needed, loads more information provided, for example, a large preview appears if you hover the mouse over a taskbar icon, you can also chose the behaviour of icons on the task bar-show/hide/notifications only.
The desktop is more friendly and configurable, with neat touches like being able to maximise a window by dragging it to the top of the screen.
The home network settings are loads easier to manage, particularly file sharing across the network, although it could be done in Vista or XP, W7 makes it a cinch.
The disliked sidebar (resource hungry) has gone, you can display your gadgets on the desktop if required.
Security-all the security functions have been gathered together in one place 'Action Centre', where the anti-virus, firewall, back-up, restore, troubleshooting, restore settings are held.
The dreaded UAC function is more configurable, so you can avoid the multiple pop ups whenever you want to change anything.
Performance, early days yet, but the start and shut-down is quicker, and appears more efficient when multiple windows are open.
In conclusion, a worthwhile upgrade, and (for me) a polishing off to Vista, making it the OS it should be, however, this 'upgrade' should be a Service Pack upgrade and certainly not having to part with our hard earned cash for a new operating system, which Microsoft intends it to be.
The usual caveat, this is a Beta version of an OS , therefore 'unfinished' , and if it goes t*ts up, there is no technical support, so be careful you are not up ******-creek without a paddle.
I know-I need to get out more 
