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Windows 7 Free, But Not For All

Some Windows 7 beta testers can convert to the real deal free of charge once it's done. Members of an exclusive club, those actually invited by Redmond to test the software, are eligible. Most of these top IT pros belong to TechNet, but not all TechNet subscribers got the special invites. So how do you know if you qualify? Microsoft will send off an e-mail with all the details.

If you're a release candidate user like me, the software is active 'til this March. After that, Windows 7 will stop working for two hours a day. Sounds just like my old XP machine!

Microsoft says that one reason Windows 7 is so stable is the great work of beta testers. I couldn't agree more.

Posted by Doug Barney on August 05, 2009


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