Windows 7 beta deadline extended
Summary
Topics
In a blog posting, Microsoft said that the test version of the operating system will be available for download through February 10. Previously, Microsoft had said that the OS would only be open through late this month.
"We are at a point where we have more than enough beta testers and feedback coming in to meet our engineering needs, so we are beginning to plan the end of general availability for Windows 7 Beta," Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said in the blog posting. "Because enthusiasm continues to be so high for the Windows 7 Beta and we don't want anyone to miss out, we will keep the Beta downloads open through February 10th."
Those who start the download process before February 10 will have until February 12 to finish the task.
The deadline applies to the general public, while members of Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN developer programs will continue to have access to the code, LeBlanc said.
CEO Steve Ballmer announced the beta of Windows 7 during his speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 7. After a slight hiccup, Microsoft made the code available on January 10.
Credit: Windows 7 beta to be available through Feb. 10 from CNET News.com.
Talkback Most Recent of 4 Talkback(s)
-
David Grober26th Jan 2009 -
RE: Windows 7 beta deadline extended
I think everyone needs to download and run this. If you don't have a spare PC, you can install it into a virtual machine (VMWare or VirtualPC). There are a LOT of UI changes that severely downgrade the user experience... especially for power users. You need to explain these problems to Microsoft or they will NOT be fixed when the final release comes out.
It's REALLY easy to send feedback. Every window in the beta has a "Send Feedback" link on the title bar and there's a "Send Feedback" icon on the desktop. Just fill in the complaint (or praise) and hit send. Couldn't be simpler.
Software Architect 198226th Jan 2009 -
What a load of FUD!
2 things I gotta say:
1) I would agree with the statement that everyone should try out Win7 beta.
2) As the lead of a User Experience group and a guy who's been running the Win7 beta full time for a couple weeks now, I just don't see it. Win7 is fast! very fast! It maintains the slickness of Vista without the issues. Less UAC prompts, faster, you can quickly jump to recent documents associated with a common app...
About the only thing noticeably missing from what Vista had is that the sidebar is gone (but you can still put gadgets in that same area. I guess this guy must have loved the sidebar.
Oh yeah, and they borrowed a feature of some of the linux distros I've seen where you can pin an app to the task bar replacing quick launch.
DevTheo27th Jan 2009 -
Yeah Right!!
That of course is provided that you are even "Able" to install the darned thing.
I downloaded it twice, Thought the first time that is was me but Nope.
Same thing on both Downloads, put it in the ROM tray, it supposed to begin the install and then for no reason, stops dead and will not go back to the CDRom.
The I do a shut down/Restart and am Back to Normal.
Man, this is frustrating.
Regards
Aaron
PS No reflection on Post.
Aaron A Baker27th Jan 2009
Talkback - Tell Us What You Think
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Facebook Activity
