Windows 7 RC available for free download

 

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Posted on 30 Apr 2009 at 11:19

Microsoft has released the Release Candidate of Windows 7 today (30 April). The new operating system is now available to all members of Microsoft's Developer Network and TechNet, and will be made available to all members of the public on Tuesday 5 May for free.

Windows 7 RC is the final test version of the operating system before the official launch, and will be available for unlimited download. Microsoft told Shopper that users that download the Release Candidate will be able to use the operating system until 1 June 2010, although after 1 March 2010 the OS will reboot every two hours. After 1 June, the operating system will need to be upgraded to a full version.

Windows 7 RC includes several improvements over the original beta, including better support for touchscreens, better scaling of the Task Bar and remote media streaming, which lets you watch videos and listen to music stored on your computer over the internet.

Windows Media Center has also been updated and includes native Blu-ray support. However, we were unable to find out if support for Freesat will be supported.

"Freesat is UK specific, so will be dealt with by our regionalisation team," said Laurence J Painell, Windows OEM & WGA Marketing Manager. "We'll see more about that as we get closer to release."

The Release Candidate also sees three features removed that were in the Beta: Bluetooth audio support, Guest Mode and Autorun for any device other than optical drives. The reason for the latter is to stop the spread of viruses, such as the Conficker worm.

Windows 7 is still on track to be released on time, with Microsoft sticking to its official line that it will be "no later than January 2010". However, a release is likely to be before that in order to meet the Christmas rush for new computers.

"We're making every effort to get the product out as soon as possible," said Painell, who was keen to point out that the most important thing was making sure that Windows 7 was a reliable product. "If the quality's not there, there'll be no rash decision to hit a deadline."

Author: David Ludlow