Microsoft Windows 7 Release Candidate
compuease
Admin
Ok, I'm impressed...
Just installed Windows 7 Release Candidate (Build 7100) on my Acer Travelmate laptop and it really seems to be a huge improvement over earlier Beta versions and for sure over Vista....
The install took me only 1 hr start to finish, all drivers installed automatically, and everything including wireless internet seem fine. I can even see all of my other pc's on my network just fine. Try doing this with a mixture of XP and Vista machines...
It's early as I have just been using it now for 3 hours but overall, seems like Microsoft may have recovered from the Vista debacle.
It feels even faster than the XP Pro that I had been running prior to this. My server, desktop and my wifes laptop will remain running as they are with XP Pro for now.
I installed my Office 2003 and AVG free 8.5, no issues. Over the next few days I will install my other apps, poker etc and report back.
Just installed Windows 7 Release Candidate (Build 7100) on my Acer Travelmate laptop and it really seems to be a huge improvement over earlier Beta versions and for sure over Vista....
The install took me only 1 hr start to finish, all drivers installed automatically, and everything including wireless internet seem fine. I can even see all of my other pc's on my network just fine. Try doing this with a mixture of XP and Vista machines...
It's early as I have just been using it now for 3 hours but overall, seems like Microsoft may have recovered from the Vista debacle.
It feels even faster than the XP Pro that I had been running prior to this. My server, desktop and my wifes laptop will remain running as they are with XP Pro for now.
I installed my Office 2003 and AVG free 8.5, no issues. Over the next few days I will install my other apps, poker etc and report back.
Comments
AMD Athlon 64 3500+
2.2 Ghz
2 Gb RAM
I'm actually still very happy running XP so not sure if I want to switch OS at this point.
i had to get vista on my laptop, and i'm very tired of it's "suckage".
The Windows 7 release candidate is available here:
Windows 7 Release Candidate Customer Preview Program
supposedly for IT type folks but I don't see any restriction. I didn't have to prove anything.... This will allow you to use it until March 1, 2010. Apparently Oct 22nd is the GA date. Microsoft can't afford another Vista. They have to make this one right and I think they will. Details re releases, including pricing below.
Announcing the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program & Windows 7 Pricing – Bring on GA! - Windows 7 Team Blog - The Windows Blog
Awesome. Please continue with these updates, if you don't mind.
The only slight issue was drivers. After it finished the base install there were no drivers for ethernet, audio or SMBus loaded. Of course there were no Windows 7 (nor Vista for that matter) drivers on the Asus website. I downloaded the XP network driver for this motherboard and installed it just fine. Then did windows updates and it found and updated drivers for all the rest just fine by itself... Slick...
Be aware that the base size of Windows 7 Ultimate takes up 22GB of hard drive space.
Tips and tweaks..
Windows 7 - Hints, Tips & Tricks - Windows 7 Forum (Win7Chat.com)
50 seriously useful Windows 7 tips, tricks and secrets | News | TechRadar UK
Information: Windows 7 Hints and Tips. - PC Help Forum
Book from Amazon that may be of interest.
Amazon.com: Windows 7 100 Most Asked Questions - Tips, Tricks, Hints and Practical Guide: Donald Nelson: Books
Recent reviews by trusted review sites.
Windows 7 RC review - our in-depth hands on | News | TechRadar UK
Windows 7 RC Review - TechCombo
Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) Review - TechReviewSource.com - Tech Reviews