You have probably heard all the hype about downloading Windows 7 Beta free until the 10th of February. Here’s something to consider before accepting that generous offer from Microsoft.
Of course there is a risk of something going very wrong and loosing files and/or the use of your system but that’s just common sense. Here’s what bothered me about the free offer. I’m new to ‘beta’ downloads so perhaps this is standard but it’s just a free ‘trial‘. Once you install the operating system on your computer you can only use it until August 1, 2009. After that the OS will cease to work and you must install a previous version before your computer will work. You can’t even upgrade from the beta to the full version. Here’s an excerpt from the beta download installation instructions;
“The Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. You won’t be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.“
I guess they assume you will already know you can’t keep the free version because I was able to get all the way to the download step without ever seeing a warning. In fact, it wasn’t until I went to see the installation instructions (which many people will skip) that I found the time limit.
I guess I’ll stick with Vista for now. It sounds like the free beta version of Windows 7 is more trouble than it’s worth. What do you think?
Tags: Warning
With my brother Rich lording his technical superiority over me like a wet blanket – he’s running XP, Vista, and Win7 at home – I bit the bullet and downloaded the Win 7 beta this last weekend. I installed in on a cranky old 2Ghz Celeron w/ a whopping 512MB RAM that’s been relegated to the closet due to a intermittently flaky motherboard.
Anyway, the installation was fast & smooth – took less than 25 mins and only prompted me for input – my name – once. So far, I’m liking Win 7 far, far better than Vista! It performs very well even on lower-end hardware. if you have a spare PC to toy around with, I recommend you give it a shot.
Here’s a more in-depth “first thoughts” summary of the OS:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/23/windows-7-beta-in-depth-impressions/
Rob O.s last blog post..The Emerald Isle Gets Even Greener
Hi Rob, thanks for the input. it’s appreciated. That’s a fantastic review. And five pages of comments and almost 1300 diggs, that site is big. Have you had any software compatibility issues? There’s almost certain going to be a lot of programs that won’t work with the new OS for a while. I do have an old PC laying around. Maybe I’ll blow the dust off give Windows 7 a try.
Nice of you to point that out Brian, I’m sure that a lot of people in their enthusiasm would have missed that little bit of important information. Unfortunately I don;t have a spare computer to play around with and I know that my business software wouldn’t work with it so for now I am stuck with XP.
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I guess I don’t have a spare computer any more either Sire. I tried to boot it up and it just sat there looking at me like I was crazy. Well, perhaps I am if I noticed a computer looking at me.
I guess I have to wait a while for Windows 7.
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Yes.. Unfortunately that particular clause is the standard for Microsoft Betas. It has been in place since long before Windows 3.11
It’s just another way for Microsoft to screw over the people that help them find the bugs in their software. Most other companies provide their beta testers with a free copy of the commercial release once it’s available. Microsoft is not one such company.
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Hi Mike, It does make sense to give beta testers a licensed copy. If they thought it would cost too much in lost sales they could always limit the number of testers. It sounds like Microsoft is marketing more than testing. Get beta testers use to the OS and wait for the purchase.