스티브 발머의 CES 기조 연설과 함께 베타 버젼이 공개된 차세대 OS Windows 7에 대한 관심이 예상보다 폭발적인 가운데, MS의 서버가 이를 감당하지 못하는 현상이 벌어지자 마이크로소프트는 결국 배포 일정을 연기하는 홍역을 치른 바 있다.
이에 마이크로소프트는 윈도우즈 7 베타 버젼의 다운로드에 불편을 겪은 소비자들에게 사과의 뜻을 전하고, 2백 5십만 회로 제한돼 있던 다운로드 횟수 제한을 철회하였으며, 배포 기간을 1월 24일까지로 연장하는 조치를 취했다. 이에 따라 1월 24일까지 2백 5십만 회 이상의 다운로드가 발생한다 하더라도 사용자들은 아무런 제약 없이 이 새로운 베타 버젼의 OS를 다운로드 할 수 있게 됐다.
아울러 마이크로 소프트는 윈도우즈 7의 제작에 혼신의 힘을 기울이고 있다며 사용자들의 적극적인 피드백을 요청하기도 했다. Windows 7은 비스타의 뒤를 이을 새로운 OS로 벌써부터 상당한 주목을 받고 있다. 비스타가 유저들의 기대를 충족시키지 못했던 부분이 많았고, WindowsXP에서 굳이 업그레이드 할 필요를 느끼지 못했던 많은 수요가 비스타를 뛰어 넘어 Windwos 7을 기다리고 있기 때문에 MS로서도 그만큼 진일보한 OS를 내놓아야 할 필요가 있는 셈.
벌써부터 마이크로소프트의 자신감이 뭍어나고 있는 윈도우즈 7은 비스타보다 낮은 사양의 시스템으로도 더 빠르게 동작할 것이란 예측이 지배적인 가운데 수많은 유저들이 이 신형 OS를 손꼽아 기다리고 있다.
New to beta testing? Here's what you need to know:
You'll need some technical skills, like knowing how to:
Burn an ISO file to make an install DVD (A good example of what we mean by “technical”)
Install Windows (of course)
Backup and restore your PC (There's a chance of losing files, so it's a good idea to do a backup of anything you want to save.)
Set up a network
It can be glitchy—so don't use a PC you need every day.
Minimum recommended specs call for:
1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1 GB of system memory
16 GB of available disk space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
DVD-R/W Drive
Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)
And yes, like anything tech-related, these specs could change.
Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.
You'll need a system recovery disk (and know how to use it).
You're [almost] flying solo: you'll need to troubleshoot problems yourself and call on other Beta testers for their know-how.
It's a two-way thing—Beta testing is about feedback so our developers can fix bugs and hear what appeals to the people who use our products daily. Please tell us what you think.
Watch the calendar. The Beta expires 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. (See installation instructions.)
The best way to keep up with what's happening is to follow the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers in the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
Get the download
The 32-bit version of Windows 7 Beta is available in five languages: English, German, Japanese, Hindi, and Arabic. The 64-bit version is available in English, German, Japanese, and Arabic. Windows 7 Beta is available for a limited time, to the first 2.5 million people who download the software. Just choose the version that fits the system you'll be using for the test, pick your language and click go to register for and download the Beta.
Downloading the Windows 7 Beta could take a few hours. The exact time will depend on your provider, bandwidth and traffic. The good news is that once you start the download, you won't have to answer any more questions – you can walk away while it finishes. If it gets interrupted, it'll restart where it left off. See this FAQ for details.
Download 32-bit version
Download 64-bit version
Important recommendation: As you know, the point of beta testing is to find things we need to fix. As you help us uncover issues, we'll post fixes on Windows Update. So we recommend you keep your PC set to automatically check for updates through Windows Update. Please also stay current with the Release Notes, which are regularly updated with new notices and information.
To kick-off this process, before installing the Beta, please read the Release Notes. In particular, review the MP3 files and Windows Media Center notes and install the related updates before using the Beta.
Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change. Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware. The features and functionality you find in the Beta product may not appear in the final version of Windows 7.
