*Be sure to read all warnings and thoroughly read through Frequently Asked Questions, advisories, and directions on Windows 7’s website before downloading and running a new operating system.

When Windows Vista came out, a lot of people just figured it was going to be a waste of money, and really didn’t want to spend it when they were already happy with XP.  But what if you could try the newest version, Windows 7, for free?

You can, and yes, it’s totally legal.  Starting May 5th 2009, you will be able to download the Release Candidate - basically a pre-launch version of the operating system through the Windows 7 website.  And it’s not just a brief trial period - you’ll be able to use the preview system until June 2010 when it will automatically expire.

Windows Vista only came out around early 2007, so that’s still recent history.  But as we’ve discussed before, there have been a number of complaints with that verson… that there are problems with compatibility when it comes to older versions of hardware and software… that the system doesn’t run too smoothly on older computers… as well as the annoying “Are you sure you want to do this?” window coming up when you want to do practically anything.  Microsoft says its addressed these problems with Windows 7.

***Before downloading the operating system, be aware that you should always back-up your entire computer onto another hard-drive beforehand.  All information can become at risk of complete loss when you change operating systems, even temporarily.  Here is a list of do’s and don’ts from Microsoft in a Beta version of Windows 7 that users should heed:

Please do…

- Do install the Beta only on a dedicated test computer.
- Do make frequent backups while testing the Beta. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. (See How to backup a PC.)
- Do prepare a recovery disc. A recovery disc restores your computer to its out-of-the-box state. Most computers come with one. If yours didn’t, contact your PC maker.
- Do update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it before installing the Beta. After you install the Beta, remember to re-enable the antivirus program.
- Do connect to the Internet after you install the Beta. Being connected helps make sure you get useful security and hardware updates. (If you don’t have an Internet connection, you can still install the Beta.)
- Do download the Release Notes. Release Notes provide important information that you should know before installing and using Windows 7. You should familiarize yourself with all of the known issues in this document prior to installing the software. For example, the Release Notes describe a bug in which MP3 files may become corrupted and provide information on mitigating risk.

Please don’t…

- Don’t install the Beta if you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems. Microsoft does not provide technical support for the Windows 7 Beta.
- Don’t install the Beta on your primary home or work computer. Microsoft is not responsible for downtime stemming from the Windows 7 Beta.

Here are the system requirements as described by Microsoft:

1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of RAM (32-bit)/2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
16 GB of available disk space (32-bit)/20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher driver

You’ll also need a recordable DVD drive to burn the downloaded file, plus DVD-burning software (most newer computers come with both the recordable drive plus some kind of burning software).  When you’re ready, you’ll be able to just go over to the Windows 7 website, download a file, which you will then burn to the DVD, and then use it just as you would any other installation disc - put it into the computer and let it run.

Read more at the Windows 7 website.