beta questions

I got some beta questions that i'm sure have been answered elsewhere, but i wasn't sure where to find them....

1. how long doe the latest beta revision last before it expires? I am considering upgrading to the beta, but will it last until windows 7 comes out.

2. Is the process of upgrading from win 7 beta, to the final version of windows 7 a simple process? will it work more or less automatically

3. How is the beta now? Are they're any common bugs that really ruin day to day tasks?

Essentially, since I preordered windows 7, i am considering upgrading to the beta now, and then upgrading to the final version when i get it, and i'm wondering how much of a good idea that is....


oh, and what is the latest revision, and are there legal ways to get it?

thanks

 

1. Expires on March 31st 2010 (works until July, but starts shutting down once every 2 hrs starting from June).
2. You must clean install the final version (no in place upgrade).
3. The RC version is pretty stable.

I will suggest you dual boot Windows 7 RC with your existing OS.

 

wait....you don't have to clean install do you? not for the upgrade version at least...right? in a lot of ways i would prefer i clean install, but that can be a lot of work with all the backup that is necassary...

 

Since it's foolish to do an in-place upgrade without doing a solid backup anyway, the only real difference is that of installing the software you use on a daily basis and restoring your files from backup.

Personally I find doing a full clean install every year or so helps clear out the deadwood of software and other cr@p I really don't use and focus on the stuff that is used on a regular basis.

 

That would be the Release Candidate: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

You can download it for free from Microsoft from that link.

 

Using the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard, it's a snap to move your files, settings, and even User Accounts to a clean install of Windows 7. Only thing that won't make it over is Applications.

 

No. The Vista > Windows 7 RTM will be a supported upgrade path. Windows 7 RC > Windows 7 RTM will have to involve a wipe and fresh install.

If you're planning on using Win7 RC as your primary OS until release day, then I'd say that it isn't a great idea. It will just take effort to migrate everything to the RC, and then migrate everything to the final version, but if you have time and energy to burn on it, then by all means, nothing is stopping you.