windows7.jpgYou 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?


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