Windows 7 Hits the Wires
Our heroes in Redmond have released a beta version of Windows 7 for our testing pleasure.
Freely available for download (after you register), burn onto DVD, install and enjoy [?].
Caveat: System “expires” in August, 2009, requiring you to reinstall a [prior] version of Windows.
Caveat II: BEWARE: this install will wipe your prior hard drive content, so BACK EVERYTHING UP!! Also, make sure you’ve got reinstallation disk(s) to put your system back together after August.
Not advised to install on your primary system. Better to be doing this with a spare that has (at least!):
- Processor: 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
Memory: 1 GB of system memory
Hard drive: 16 GB of available disk space
Video card: Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
Drive: DVD-R/W drive
Internet connection (to download the Beta and get updates)Note: Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of “touch”, may require advanced or additional hardware.
“ - (above from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/dd353205.aspx)
Reports indicate W7 is faster and less of a resource hog than Vista. A few brave souls are trying it. Some report it’s far superior to Vista, while others claim it’s just a re-dressed Vista. I guess there’s only one way to find out.
After some glitches this past weekend, MS decided to allow an unlimited number of downloads until mid January (24th), instead of the 2 1/2 million limit they originally imposed.
So, if you want to experiment, and you’ve got the tech know-how, go for it!
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx
or, scope out the FAQ:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-faq.aspx
Let us know what you think!
Hi.
I was reading this post and I read the word “wipe” and it just came to my mind: Why is it that windows doesn’t offer a secure file wiping tool built in?
I’m not talking about an advanced utility like the one at [[edited]] or others, but even the new Windows versions with all the fancy features still don’t allow you to perform secure file deletion.
Anyways, just a comment.
Have a nice day;
Pablo.
Hi Pablo,
Thanks for stopping by and the comment.
I did remove the specific URL in your comment, as I was not able to get substantial information on the specific product.
Those curious can google “file wipe utility” and will find numerous possibilities, many free, including the one you cited.
I too believe there should be secure file deletion in Windows… but can we trust MS to actually do it right?? hmmm…