Tech tips -
Some people take sides. You have your Windows, Linux and Mac users. Myself, I like them all and think that there is room for everyone.
Right now, the big news is that the Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate) is available at www.microsoft.com for you to download and try.
If you didn't get involved with the beta release earlier on, you will happy to know that this release is very near what the final version of the software will be. Unlike the beta release, this time there is no limit on the number of people who can download the software.
The RC version will function until March 1 of 2010 when it will begin shutting down every two hours. June 1, 2010 is when it will cease to function altogether. If you like it, you will have to purchase a key. That is a pretty good length of time to use the software for free.
Windows 7 will be available for purchase in the fourth quarter of 2009, just in time for the holidays (unofficially) or a little sooner. Rumor has it that Acer will begin selling computers with Windows 7 towards the end of October and will be offering free upgrades to Windows 7 on any computers purchased 30 days before its release.
This brings me to a good point, if you are thinking about replacing your old machine, keep in mind that Windows 7 will soon be available and I expect the closer we get to release day the more likely vendors are to offer free upgrades with purchase. These guys will surely want to keep you buying throughout the year and not seeing you wait until the fourth quarter.
I think Microsoft learned a few lessons with Vista. It seems like they taking compatibility issues quite serious this time around. Although I am a bit disappointed that there isn't a direct upgrade path from XP (a clean install will be required), I am a bit more hopeful for the XP Mode option that will allow me to run those programs that wouldn't run under Vista.
XP Mode uses "virtual PC" to create a virtual Windows XP environment primarily aimed at small business owners. Now that will make an interesting column topic for some time in the future.
toddmusseau@gmail.com
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